The National Democratic Congress (NDC) group in Parliament has charged Member of Parliament for Efffutu, Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin to ‘let go of his ego’ and ‘render an unqualified apology to the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament.’
The Speaker, according to the NDC, has distinguished himself throughout his legislative career spanning over three decades.
The call follows a press conference by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) group in Parliament last Thursday during which its leader, Afenyo-Markin made scathing remarks about Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin accusing him of supervising confusion and lawlessness and leading an NDC warpath agenda.
The group condemned Afenyo-Markin’s conduct, accusing him of disrespectful attacks on the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament.
The side demanded an immediate and unqualified apology, asserting that the attacks were a ‘deliberate attempt’ to undermine the Speaker’s office.
In a statement by Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the NDC expressed disappointment with Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s remarks, describing them as “vitriolic” and “unparliamentary.”
The statement emphasized that the Speaker had done nothing to merit such treatment, adding, “The Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament has always been firm and resolute in defending the Constitution and deserves commendation for protecting the sanctity of Ghana’s Parliament and our democratic institutions.”
The NDC Caucus claims Afenyo-Markin’s recent actions reflect a pattern of behaviour aimed at disrupting parliamentary processes for personal interests.
Speaking on behalf of the NDC group, Kofi Buah stated, “The Leader of the NPP Minority Caucus continues to abuse parliamentary processes just to satisfy his ego.”
The NDC caucus’ response follows a controversial urgent recall of Parliament on Thursday, 7th November 2024, instigated by Hon. Afenyo-Markin and members of the NPP group.
The NDC claims that the NPP Leader failed to mobilize his members for the session and did not show up himself, leaving the NDC to handle parliamentary business.
According to Hon. Kofi Buah, “Despite the NPP’s failure to appear, the NDC Majority Caucus mustered over 100 MPs, demonstrating our commitment to fulfilling our responsibilities to the people of Ghana.”
The statement suggests that Hon. Afenyo-Markin may face resistance if he continues to invoke urgent recalls under Article 112 (3) and Order 53 of Parliament’s Standing Orders without adequate backing from his own caucus.
“The NDC Caucus will no longer tolerate reckless abuse of the parliamentary process,” Hon. Buah warned.
The statement further criticized the NPP group for allegedly wasting taxpayer resources by recalling Parliament without valid grounds.
“We call on the people of Ghana to condemn the NPP Minority in Parliament for taking the people of Ghana for granted by abusing constitutional and parliamentary processes and causing huge financial loss,” Hon. Kofi Buah said.
The Caucus urged Ghanaians to stand with Parliament and demand accountability from their representatives.