Parliament reconvened today the 16th of December 2024 after the December 7 general elections before its brief adjournment sine dine during the period of heightened political tension and procedural confusion.
During the session today, Majority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin delivered a reflective and forward-looking address.
His speech touched on the electoral process, the parliamentary history of Ghana, and predictions for future parliamentary dynamics.
Afenyo-Markin began by congratulating the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on their victory in the 2024 general elections, extending commendations to both the Minority Leader and President-elect John Dramani Mahama.
He lauded Ghana’s democratic traditions, emphasizing the peaceful conduct of elections. He remarked;
“Indeed, it is an established constitutional custom. Once every four years, the people of this country are given the opportunity to elect their leaders. First, the president of the republic and second Parliamentarians the people’s representatives. On 7th December, this mandate was rightfully exercised by the people of Ghana.
‘’Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia did something very unprecedented we’ve never witnessed t in the history of our politics before. Relying on his internal collation, at 9:00 am on Sunday, he publicly acknowledged the outcome of the elections, conceded, and congratulated the president-elect, who was yet to be officially declared by the Electoral Commission.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Majority Leader
Afenyo-Markin recounted the shifting power dynamics in Parliament over the years, providing a historical overview of Ghana’s electoral outcomes.
He drew attention to the decline in the NPP’s parliamentary majority from a high of 169 seats in 2016 to 138 seats in 2024.
“In less than four years, we started going back. And by the time the people exercised their mandate again, the 169 had reduced to 137 plus our independents who caucus with us and we made it to 138. Dr. Ato Forson, I have heard you. You have an overwhelming majority, but that majority will start reducing from the 8th of January. And I know that come 2028, we will be in a majority.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Majority Leader
He also predicted challenges for the NDC’s incoming government, particularly regarding their ambitious promises such as tax reductions, the repeal of the E-levy, and the implementation of free senior high school (SHS).
In a rare moment of bipartisanship, Afenyo-Markin commended the Speaker of Parliament for his leadership and institutional reforms, which he believed enhanced the welfare of members of Parliament.
“Mr. Speaker, I don’t know whether you are being retained or a new person is going to be appointed. But I pray that If they decide to retain you, I know Parliament is going to benefit. But should they decide to retire you? They can do it. They are unpredictable.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Majority Leader
He also stressed the importance of appointing a speaker from within Parliament, emphasizing the need for someone familiar with the House’s workings.
Addressing the Challenges of Governance
He pledged that the NPP would remain vigilant in opposition. He emphasized;
“Indeed, no party can run a perfect government in this country. When you get into government, while you are happy to implement your policies, you are likely to make some mistakes. We concede that some mistakes were made. We concede that we couldn’t have done everything perfectly. The people have spoken we’ve accepted. But Mr. Speaker, the coming days and years will reveal the true colors of this umbrella, and the elephants will be watching keenly in this chamber.
“There are also some important welfare matters that I would want to pledge to my colleagues that together with my colleague Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson. we should do everything possible to deal with these government businesses so that we can say that it is indeed finished.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin Majority Leader
Afenyo-Markin’s address was both reflective and forward-looking, balancing acknowledgment of the NPP’s electoral defeat with optimism for the future.
He reiterated the NPP’s readiness to scrutinize the NDC’s governance while urging bipartisan efforts to complete pending legislative work.
His call for internal parliamentary leadership and focus on welfare issues set a tone for cooperation amid political rivalry.
This session marks a critical juncture in Ghana’s parliamentary history as the country prepares for a new era under NDC leadership.
Afenyo-Markin’s predictions and reflections will likely shape the narrative for the next parliamentary cycle.
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