Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has objected to Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s description of the Minority Caucus as a “micro-minority” in a heated first session of the 9th Parliament on Wednesday.
The Minority Leader vehemently challenged the term, arguing it was neither parliamentary nor reflective of the caucus’s role and contributions in the House.
The protest follows a statement by the Speaker that he is bound by the laws to protect the ‘micro-Minority’ caucus from the jostling of the Majority Caucus.
Afenyo-Markin declared, standing on his feet in protest,“ Mr. Speaker, with respect, I shall respond to what you just said about your duty to protect the micro-minority. We do not have any micro-minority. The rules of this House provide for the minority and the majority.”
“Mr. Speaker, describe us as the Minority. Simply said.”
The Minority Leader underscored the caucus’s historical and significant contributions to the Speaker’s election, pointing out that their support was instrumental when the Majority Caucus allegedly conspired against Bagbin’s candidature.
“Mr. Speaker, we seconded the motion for your election. When the so-called majority was conspiring against you, it was us, the minority of conscience, who stood by you. We protected you, Mr. Speaker. But for us, you wouldn’t be Speaker,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
The exchange escalated when Afenyo-Markin directed a firm warning to the House: “Nobody should use that term in this House. It is not acceptable, Mr. Speaker. From today, that term must be banned from use in this chamber.”
Speaker Alban Bagbin acknowledged the protest of the Minority leader and emphasized that the use of the word micro-Minority would not be used officially to refer to the Minority Caucus in the Chamber.
