Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has lauded the Speaker of Parliament, describing him as a reservoir of institutional knowledge and guidance for new Members of Parliament.
The new entrants to Parliament, he said, are lucky to be guided by an experienced legislator who sits in the east of the chamber as a chair, Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a training workshop for new MPs on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Accra, Afenyo-Markin recounted the Speaker’s journey from being a backbencher in 1993 to becoming the first person to serve as Speaker during a second presidential term.
He advised MPs to maintain a cooperative relationship with the Speaker stating, “Mr. Speaker knows it all. If you see him as a father, you progress. If you antagonize him, you are in trouble.”
“So, if you don’t want Mr. Speaker to sting like a bee, you want him to be a father, manage all situations,” he added.
The Minority leader advised the newly elected MPs to approach their parliamentary duties with seriousness, emphasizing the importance of mastering the rules, procedures, and protocols of the legislative house and seek guidance from senior colleagues.
The workshop, organized to equip legislators with the requisite skills to navigate parliamentary work effectively, brought together MPs from across the political spectrum.
Afenyo-Markin underscored the significance of the program, urging participants to take full advantage of the opportunity.
He said, “This orientation program is not mere formality. I urge you all to attach all the seriousness to this program we are taking today.
He indicated that a deep understanding of parliamentary rules and procedures is essential for MPs to perform their roles effectively, particularly in a chamber known for its robust debates and complex operations.
The Minority Leader emphasized the importance of humility and adaptability for MPs, encouraging them to learn from mistakes and embrace the chamber’s challenging environment.
He said, “Be ready to learn and don’t ever feel embarrassed when you get it wrong. That chamber is a chamber of survival so tell yourself you’ll survive.”
The training workshop for new MPs aims to ensure that legislators are well-prepared to handle the demands of parliamentary work.