Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Effutu constituency in the Central region, has been formally confirmed as the new Majority Leader in Parliament, succeeding Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who resigned on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.
This change in leadership was announced to Parliament by the Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, after receiving a letter signed by the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
“On behalf of the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), I write to inform you of the recent changes in the leadership of the majority caucus in Parliament, in accordance with Order 6 of the standing Orders of Parliament 2024 as interpreted by your good self.”
Justin Kodua Frimpong
The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) confirmed Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the new leader of the majority caucus in Parliament, following a meeting led by the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Justin Kodua Frimpong. The meeting involved members of the Majority Caucus and was based on recommendations from the National Executive Committee concerning the leadership reshuffle.
In addition to Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s appointment, Patricia Appiagyei, Member of Parliament for Asokwa, was named the Deputy Majority Leader, marking the second female to hold this position in Parliament. The positions of Chief Majority Whip and first Deputy Majority Whip were maintained by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, and Habib Iddrisu, Member of Parliament for Tolon, respectively. Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Akontombra was appointed as second Deputy Majority Whip.
Former Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, extended his appreciation to his parliamentary colleagues for their unwavering support throughout his tenure as he formally hands over the reins of parliamentary Majority leadership to Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The former Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu further expressed support for his successor, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, urging all New Patriotic Party lawmakers and the entire Parliament to support Hon. Afenyo-Markin.
He again highlighted that his resignation as Majority Leader was voluntary and thanked the Speaker for his cooperation over the years.
In his remarks, the newly appointed Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament for Effutu acknowledged that “today is the day in my life that I never saw it coming”.
Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, expressed his finest appreciation to his party, New Patriotic Party for this great honour.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Majority leader, assured the members of Parliament from both sides his effort to bridge any differences and further urged that “Let’s strengthen our bipartisanship for our common good”.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s journey from an Assembly Member and Presiding Member for Effutu in 2004 to his current role as the Member of Parliament for Effutu and now the Majority Leader in Parliament reflects a remarkable trajectory of political ascent. His dedication to serving his party, despite personal sacrifices, has been recognized as a testament to his leadership and commitment. This recognition underscores the adage that “rising to eminence by merit, you live respected,” highlighting the significance of meritocracy in Ghana’s political landscape.
Ghanaians Welcome the Appointment
In response to the changes, the Minority Leader Hon. Ato Forson stated that the news on the unexpected resignation of the former “Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu hit all of us on the night of Wednesday 21th February, 2024”.
Hon. Ato Forson’s statement on the unexpected resignation of Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the former Majority Leader, highlighted the immediate reaction within the political landscape of Ghana.
Hon. Ato Forson’s acknowledgment of the surprise nature of Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation reflected the unpredictability and swift changes that can occur within the political sphere.
The Minority Leader Hon. Ato Forson, congratulated the new Majority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Political analyst Joshua Jebuntie Zaato praised the selection of Hon. Afenyo-Markin as a strategic move that could bolster the NPP’s prospects in the upcoming elections. Zaato highlighted the importance of regional representation and how Afenyo-Markin’s appointment represents a clear strategy to project a balanced regional representation for the NPP.
Also, Nana Ofori Owusu, the National Chairman of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), expressed delight at the appointment of Afenyo-Markin, emphasizing the pride and happiness it brings to the people of Effutu. He acknowledged the significance of having a representative from the Effutu constituency in such a high-profile role within the NPP.
The leadership transition is seen as a pivotal moment in ensuring that Ghana’s parliamentary leadership reflects both democratic and legal principles, with the expectation of a new phase of parliamentary operations under the NPP’s refreshed team.
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