In a passionate and conciliatory address to Parliament, the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin to reconsider the disciplinary measures taken against four Members of Parliament including three members of the Minority Caucus following the controversial events that unfolded during the recent vetting of ministerial nominees.
Speaking on the floor of the House, the Effutu MP referenced the official records of parliamentary proceedings, underscoring the Speaker’s formal communication expressing displeasure over the chaotic events that took place on the evening of a recent vetting session.
He acknowledged the Speaker’s intervention in restoring public confidence in Parliament’s democratic processes but expressed concerns over the procedural fairness of the measures imposed in response to the Minority’s protest.
Detailing the sequence of events leading to the Minority’s protest, Hon. Afenyo-Markin revealed that the original agreement had been to vote on three ministerial nominees, which was later revised to four and subsequently expanded to five.
However, by 10 PM that evening, the Majority side unilaterally sought to continue vetting additional nominees beyond what had been agreed upon. This move, according to him, violated the spirit of consensus and triggered resistance from the Minority.
‘Mister speaker, in the corridors of the vetting room, where many people including nominees were understanding was that they had all been invited. Mister speaker, there was no room for us to discuss the way forward which resulted in our decision as the minority to protest.
“Our intention was to have a peaceful protest to express our displeasure at the excesses of our colleagues in the majority. However, we acknowledge that in the process, the situation escalated beyond what was initially intended.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, MP for Effutu and Minority Leader
Despite the tensions, he affirmed the Minority’s commitment to upholding parliamentary decorum and fostering deeper consultations moving forward.
Minority’s Unprecedented Cooperation
Hon. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the Minority had shown an extraordinary level of cooperation with the government’s agenda, setting a new precedent in Ghana’s democratic history.
He pointed out that, unlike in previous parliamentary terms, the Minority had facilitated the confirmation of government nominees in record time, demonstrating their commitment to constructive governance rather than obstructionism.
“This is the first time in our democracy that a Minority has cooperated with government to this extent. We believe in constructive criticism, not in frustrating government business. We understand that power is won not through disruption but through active, constructive politicking.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, MP for Effutu and Minority Leader
Appeal for Mercy and Reconciliation
In a dramatic literary reference, the Minority Leader invoked Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, drawing parallels between the Speaker’s disciplinary actions and the infamous demand for a “pound of flesh” by Shylock.
He urged the Speaker to temper discipline with mercy, arguing that a reconsideration of the sanctions would foster unity and reinforce the collaborative spirit needed to advance national governance.
“Mister Speaker, we cannot take your power to discipline from you but we believe that when this is tempered with assurance the way forward will be better you will be able to reinstate our colleagues who temporarily have been denied access to this chamber and the presence of parliament.
“Ours is not to undermine your authority. After all, it is the confidence we had in you that made us by consensus vote you into office. And we accept your authority. Mister speaker, we do not think that we should litigate this matter even on the procedure”.
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, MP for Effutu and Minority Leader
He reassured the House and the public that such confrontations would not recur, taking full responsibility for the Minority’s actions.
In a final plea, he formally requested the Speaker to rescind his decision and restore the affected Minority MPs to full parliamentary participation.
“Today, I stand here on behalf of my caucus, taking full responsibility for what transpired, and appealing for your reconsideration”.
Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, MP for Effutu and Minority Leader
The Minority Leader’s plea was reechoed by the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, urging Speaker Bagbin to reconsider the suspension of the four Members of Parliament.
READ ALSO: Dr. Seidu Zakaria Appointed as Managing Director of NIB
