Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has praised the swift concession of defeat by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 general elections, describing it as historic.
According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer’s acknowledgment of the election results was historic and commendable.
“At 9 a.m. on Sunday, he publicly acknowledged the outcome of the elections, conceded, and congratulated the President-elect, even before the official declaration by the Electoral Commission,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
Welcoming Members of Parliament to the final session of the House on Monday, December 9, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of such actions in maintaining Ghana’s democratic integrity.
“Today, we are here because all of us collectively acknowledge that all we have is our democracy,” he added.
Reflecting on the shifts in parliamentary representation over the years, he urged members to draw lessons from the election results.
He said, “In 2016, we had an overwhelming majority of 169 seats. By the next elections, that number reduced significantly to 137. No party can run a perfect government. We concede that some mistakes were made.”
Despite the setbacks, Afenyo-Markin expressed optimism about the NPP’s future, predicting that the party would regain its majority by 2028.
He expressed skepticism about the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) ability to deliver on its campaign promises, particularly proposed tax reductions and social intervention programs such as the “Nkukon Kitenketi” policy.
He questioned the feasibility of these policies, calling on the incoming government to be transparent in its financial planning.
Afenyo-Markin urged Parliamentarians to prioritize outstanding government business and address the welfare of members.
He called for unity and cooperation between the Majority and Minority, especially under the leadership of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the incoming Majority leader.
He congratulated the NDC for its electoral success and acknowledged the leadership of President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
He also commended Speaker Alban Bagbin for his leadership over the past four years, noting his unparalleled contributions to members’ welfare and the institutional development of Parliament.
In a message to MPs who lost their seats, Afenyo-Markin advised perseverance and urged them to reconnect with their constituencies, conduct research, and prepare for a stronger comeback.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people and ensuring a smooth transition while encouraging critical analysis of decisions and votes to better prepare for future elections.