By Caleb Kuleke

Ho, Feb. 3, GNA – Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister has said that President Mahama’s agenda for the region required new level of commitment, innovation and collaboration.

He stated that the President’s bold and ambitious plan for the region was more than just a collection of policies as it represented a fundamental shift in how governance and development were conducted.

Mr Gunu said this when he interacted with staff of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council during his first day at work.

He said that the Coordinating Council’s work was crucial to achieving that agenda and that effective cooperation among the staff was necessary to help reach the objective.

The Minister called for support from all staff so they would be able to prosecute the agenda together for accelerated development of the region.

Mr Gunu said the gap between the rich and the poor could only be bridged with time and opportunities, therefore adherence to time was key in ensuring the region’s progress.

He stated that some nations had advanced in development because they took advantage of the 24 hours God had given them to work, and that the government’s 24-hour economic programme would aid in the creation of opportunity for the people.

The Minister promised to operate an open-door policy and requested the staff to support him in processing his ideas to help develop the region and leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Mr Augustus Awity, Volta Regional Coordinating Director, assured the minister of staff’s readiness to working with him for the betterment of the region.

GNA

Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin is MP for Effutu constituency

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has weighed in on the recent tensions in Parliament, urging patience in assessing the new government while cautioning against the growing influence of social media on political decision-making.

Afenyo-Markin pointed to internal divisions within the Majority, noting that some members had turned to social media to attack their leadership.

In an interview on GTV, he cautioned that “They’ve been attacking their chairman on social media, saying he is weak and allowing Afenyo-Markin to dictate to him. We must be careful how we allow social media to dictate how we conduct our affairs,”

On the question of opposition scrutiny, he downplayed concerns that his side had been too lenient on the government, emphasizing that it was too early for major criticisms.

“The government is not even a month old… At least a government needs 100 or 120 days. We need to see them roll out their policies and understand their thinking pattern before we can start.”

He further acknowledged that the current parliamentary structure, with a significant majority on one side, has contributed to heightened tensions.

“I know that the work of a Majority Leader is to engage more, do behind-the-scenes talking so that the final outcome becomes smooth,” he stated, adding that he had observed Majority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson’s efforts to foster dialogue.

However, he was critical of certain members of the Majority who, in his view, are “creating problems” through their aggressive approach.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin speaking during the press briefing

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has stated that the Speaker overstepped his legal authority in a recent incident where he suspended Members of Parliament (MPs) without due process.

In a press briefing, the Minority Leader argued that the Speaker grossly exceeded his jurisdiction last Friday by his ultra vires action, which undermined parliamentary procedure and infringed on the rights of the affected MPs.

“We’ve listened carefully to the Speaker’s statements, and we have come to a conclusion that Mr. Speaker has acted beyond his legal mandate,” the Minority Leader asserted.

He added, “He arrogated powers that he does not have, violating established parliamentary rules in the process.”

The controversy stems from the suspension of four MPs following a disorderly conduct incident during a session of the Appointments Committee last Thursday.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin emphasised that such matters fall within the committee’s jurisdiction and that the Speaker should not have intervened.

In this case, according to the Minority Leader, the Appointments Committee Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, had the authority to address the situation but instead Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin acted alone, suspending members without offering them the chance to be heard.

The Minority Leader pointed out that Mr. Bagbin did not consult the leadership of the committee or communicate with them about the actions taken.

“The committee chair did not inform the Speaker of the suspension. There was no dialogue, no formal hearing, and no effort to follow due process,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin asserted.

He further pointed out that any punishment for contempt in Parliament must follow a prescribed process, including committee deliberation and a formal motion, which the Speaker failed to observe.

The Minority Leader noted the Speaker’s recent communications surrounding this issue were vague and lacked legal clarity.

“We don’t know whether to treat the Speaker’s statement as a ruling or just a communication,” he said.

“The rules are clear on what constitutes a ruling, and if it is indeed a ruling, there are procedures to challenge it. But the Speaker’s approach has left us in limbo,” he added.

In a broader critique, the Minority Leader also highlighted what he described as the NDC majority’s disregard for the Speaker’s authority.

He mentioned that, on one occasion, the majority disregarded a directive from the Speaker, further deepening the tensions within Parliament.

Despite the ongoing issues, the Minority Leader reiterated their commitment to maintaining a cooperative stance with the majority for the national interest.

However, he emphasised that they would not tolerate intimidation tactics.

“We will never surrender to any intimidation, and we will continue to fight for the fairness and transparency that Parliament demands. We remain committed to constructive engagement, but the NDC majority must understand that they cannot bulldoze their way through Parliament,” he said.

The Minority Leader also discussed frustrations within the Appointments Committee, particularly regarding the conduct of the clerk, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah.

He accused Mrs. Jiagge-Gobah of being partisan and failing to perform her duties professionally.

“She has caused us significant discomfort. We have tried to work with her, but she has not upheld the standards expected of her position,” he remarked.

Turning to the larger vetting process, the Minority Leader expressed concern over the increasing aggression in the NDC’s approach, calling some members of the ruling party “bullies.”

He argued that such behaviour undermines the democratic principles of the parliamentary process and that the minority would stand firm in its position, even if it means protesting to make their voices heard.

“We have been the most cooperative in Parliament. Despite all the issues, we have supported the government in its appointments. But we are not going to tolerate a system where decisions are made without consultation or fairness,” he stated.

The Minority Leader also referenced past parliamentary practices, citing instances where the Minority, under leadership Haruna Iddrisu and the Speaker himself, had engaged in rigorous vetting processes, scrutinizing nominees at length.

He drew comparisons to the current situation, accusing the majority of being intolerant of opposition scrutiny and questioning whether the current level of oversight was adequate.

“We must remember, this is not the first time the Minority has had to oppose unfair practices. We have been in these situations before, and we will continue to challenge injustices when we see them,” he asserted.

The Minority Leader said they had escalated the matter to the national party leadership, urging that steps be taken to ensure a fair and transparent process within Parliament.

He emphasised that they are committed to seeing that justice is served for the suspended members and that such actions do not become a recurring issue.

“We will continue to fight for the rights of our colleagues and the integrity of our parliamentary processes. We will not be intimidated, and we will ensure that the right thing is done—for the national interest,” he concluded.

By Ernest Kofi Adu Adu, Parliament House

Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga

Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga

The Kusaug Youth Movement has congratulated Mahama Ayariga on his appointment as the new Majority Leader in the 9th Parliament of Ghana.

According to the group, Ayariga’s wealth of parliamentary experience makes him an ideal fit for the position, adding that with nearly two decades of experience, including roles as a deputy minister and Minister of State, Ayariga has demonstrated his capabilities as a seasoned parliamentarian.

In a statement, the group said “Ayariga is most suited for this position, considering his wealth of parliamentary experience and his untainted commitment to the development of democracy in Ghana and beyond.”

Background

On January 23, 2025, the Member of Parliament of Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, was appointed as the Majority Leader of the 9th Parliament of Ghana.

The Bawku Central legislator replaced the Member of Parliament of Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, as Majority Leader.

His appointment followed the nomination of Dr. Ato Forson as Minister of Finance by President John Dramani Mahama.

VKB/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Afenyo-Markin explains how he became rich

According to GhanaWeb, Habib Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for the Tolon Constituency, has defended the actions of the Minority during the recent turmoil in Parliament related to the vetting process.

He argued that the Minority acted in good faith, while the Majority instigated the chaos.

In an interview on Newsfile with Samson Lardy, Iddrisu explained that the disturbances began when the Majority side initiated an attack on the Minority.

He pointed out that the video evidence clearly shows the Majority instigating the disruptions, asserting that if the Minority had been the aggressors, they would have confronted the Majority near the Speaker. Instead, the Majority approached them.

Iddrisu highlighted that the Minority has consistently shown willingness to compromise. He noted that the current vetting process has been remarkably swift, with around 30 ministers vetted and approved, a record speed attributed to their cooperation.

He mentioned that the Minority even set aside Standing Order 3 to expedite the process, which typically requires the President’s list to go through the Speaker and the Appointments Committee before being vetted.

Iddrisu elaborated on the chaos, indicating that there was a prior agreement to vet only three nominees, which the Majority then disregarded.

Initially planning to vet three individuals, the Majority unexpectedly increased the number to ten.

He suggested that if they had the necessary support, they could have proceeded without conflict, but instead, they resorted to physical aggression.

He maintained that the Majority was to blame for the altercation, reiterating that the Minority was merely defending themselves in the situation.

“If you watch the videos carefully, you will see that the Majority attacked the Minority. The disruptions came from their side. If we were the problem, we would have attacked them at the Speaker’s side. But they rather came to us,” he stated.

By Edward Acquah

Accra, Feb. 3, GNA – The National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) has commissioned a team of experts to lead the evaluation process for the implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (MTNDPF).

The team will be led by Professor Charles Amoatey, Project Director, Development Impact West Africa, and Dr Esther Ofei-Aboagye, a local governance expert.

Government in 2021 developed the (MTNDPF), dubbed: “Agenda for Jobs II, 2022-2025, to operationalise Article 36, Clause 1 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.

The Constitution enjoins Government to ensure that the national economy is managed efficiently to maximise citizens’ welfare.

The evaluation is to assess the progress, effectiveness, and impact of the MTNDPF (2022-2025) and draw lessons to facilitate effective implementation of the next MTNDPF from 2026 to 2029.

The Framework would serve as the basis for the preparation and implementation of Medium-Term Development Plans by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The document would also serve as the inputs for MDAs, RCCs and MMDAs to prepare their annual budgets as stipulated in Section 21(5) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) and Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378).

Dr Eric Akobeng, the Director-General of the NDPC, during the launch of the evaluation exercise in Accra at the weekend, said the evaluation would focus on Social Protection, Child Protection, Education, Health, Nutrition, Job Creation, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.

To be completed by April 2025, the exercise would be based on impact indicators of the current framework to draw useful lessons to improve the 2026-2029 edition.

Dr Akobeng said the review would also focus on improving institutional collaboration and promote sustainability in line with the Government’s agenda to reset the country for jobs, prosperity, and accountability.

“The Commission is of the firm belief that the evaluation would unearth useful information that would set the tone for the development of a new MTNDPF that is reflective of the aspirations of the country,” he said.

Mr Charles Dzradosi, Social Policy Specialist, United Nations Children’s Fund, said the evaluation must examine whether the policies were equitable, human rights based, and disability inclusive.

“The recent polycrisis, which has negatively impacted the most vulnerable, especially children, requires that the outcomes of the evaluation will forcefully convey the gaps and opportunities that need to be taken on board, as we prepare for the next NMTDPF.”

GNA

Former National Organiser Aspirant of the NDC, Henry Osei Akoto

A former National Organiser Aspirant of the NDC, Henry Osei Akoto, has taunted Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, over his recent elaborate explanations of his sources of wealth after the works of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) preparatory team came up for discussion during the vetting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Friday, January 31, 2025.

In a post shared on X on Monday, February 3, 2025, Osei Akoto suggested that Afenyo-Markin’s explanations had something to do with the operations of ORAL.

He said that the Minority Leader has since Friday been explaining his source of wealth, adding that ORAL, an anti-corruption initiative of President John Dramani Mahama aimed at recovering all looted state resources, would achieve the desired results.

“Afenyo-Markin has been explaining his wealth since Friday, and he is still not done. ORAL will work!!!” he wrote on X.

At the vetting on Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is the Chairman of the ORAL preparatory team, disclosed that he had records of properties acquired by Afenyo-Markin, including his land at Winneba.

The Minority Leader confirmed ownership of the land at Winneba but, however, explained that he did not acquire it from the state.

Afenyo-Markin has, since the vetting, granted interviews where he has been explaining his sources of wealth.

BAI/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Afenyo-Markin explains how he became rich

You can also watch videos from the Minority after chaos erupted during Mintah Akandoh’s vetting

Former National Organiser Aspirant of the NDC, Henry Osei Akoto

A former National Organiser Aspirant of the NDC, Henry Osei Akoto, has taunted Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, over his recent elaborate explanations of his sources of wealth after the works of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) preparatory team came up for discussion during the vetting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Friday, January 31, 2025.

In a post shared on X on Monday, February 3, 2025, Osei Akoto suggested that Afenyo-Markin’s explanations had something to do with the operations of ORAL.

He said that the Minority Leader has since Friday been explaining his source of wealth, adding that ORAL, an anti-corruption initiative of President John Dramani Mahama aimed at recovering all looted state resources, would achieve the desired results.

“Afenyo-Markin has been explaining his wealth since Friday, and he is still not done. ORAL will work!!!” he wrote on X.

At the vetting on Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who is the Chairman of the ORAL preparatory team, disclosed that he had records of properties acquired by Afenyo-Markin, including his land at Winneba.

The Minority Leader confirmed ownership of the land at Winneba but, however, explained that he did not acquire it from the state.

Afenyo-Markin has, since the vetting, granted interviews where he has been explaining his sources of wealth.

BAI/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Afenyo-Markin explains how he became rich

You can also watch videos from the Minority after chaos erupted during Mintah Akandoh’s vetting

Mustapha Hamid, former CEO of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has publicly credited Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for transforming his career and community impact, reigniting debate over political patronage and public service in West Africa.

In a lengthy Facebook post last week, Hamid, once a key spokesperson for Akufo-Addo, recounted how the president’s mentorship and appointments “shaped [his] purpose,” from honing his communication skills to steering national policy.

“Serving as his spokesperson wasn’t just a job—it was a masterclass in leadership,” wrote Hamid, who became Akufo-Addo’s press secretary during the 2016 election campaign. He described struggling early with public speaking until rigorous coaching from the president’s team turned him into a “voice of clarity” for the administration. His elevation in 2017 to Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo Development, a role created by Akufo-Addo to address inequality in marginalized urban communities, marked a personal pinnacle. “It let me repay my debt to the streets that raised me,” said Hamid, referencing his upbringing in Accra’s Nima neighborhood, a historically underserved Zongo enclave.

The post, shared hours before Akufo-Addo’s 80th birthday, drew swift reactions. Supporters praised Hamid’s humility and the president’s “eye for talent.” “This is how leaders build legacies—by lifting others,” commented Kwame Asante, a pro-government blogger. Critics, however, questioned whether such testimonials gloss over systemic issues. “When state roles become thank-you notes, meritocracy suffers,” argued Efua Mensah, an Accra-based civil society advocate. Data from Ghana’s Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) shows 62% of ministerial appointments under Akufo-Addo have gone to party loyalists, raising concerns about technocratic gaps.

Hamid’s tenure as NPA boss (2021–2023) faced scrutiny, particularly during Ghana’s 2022 fuel crisis, when shortages sparked protests. While auditors cleared him of mismanagement, opposition MPs accused him of prioritizing political loyalty over regulatory rigor. His latest reflections sidestep these controversies, focusing instead on community projects like the Zongo Development Fund, which allocated $50 million to infrastructure and education in low-income areas. “Not everyone gets to bridge their past and public duty,” Hamid wrote. “For that, I’ll always be grateful.”

Hamid’s tribute underscores the complex interplay between gratitude and governance in African politics. While personal narratives of mentorship humanize leaders, they also risk conflating state service with partisan allegiance. His story mirrors a regional trend where executive appointments blur the lines between capability and cronyism—a tension journalists must navigate with care.

For awards entrants, this saga offers fertile ground. In the Environment, Social Governance (ESG) category, reporters could dissect how initiatives like the Zongo Fund uplift communities or fall short amid political branding. Meanwhile, Hamid’s NPA tenure invites scrutiny under the Financial Markets lens: did regulatory decisions serve national interest or presidential favor?

As Ghana’s 2024 election looms, tales of loyalty and legacy will proliferate. The challenge for journalists lies in probing beyond the applause—celebrating genuine progress while holding power to account. In a media landscape often polarized by patronage, balanced storytelling isn’t just prudent; it’s essential.

Read His Post Below

Ever since our paths crossed, and at every encounter with you, I have not forgotten to tell you how very grateful I am to Allah, that he decreed our meeting; for nothing happens except by the will of Allah. And I have never forgotten to remind you how very grateful I am to you for everything that I have become- you gave me permission to embark on my career as an academic and I thereby became a Senior Lecturer.

You, together with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, paid my admission fee to enroll in a PhD programme- I am a Doctor of Philosophy. You gave me the opportunity to speak for and on your behalf for 10 years and I honed my communication skills. You made me Minister for Information; and that was the icing on the cake. You made me Minister for Inner Cities and Zongo Development; that got me to pay something back to my community.

You made me Chief Executive of NPA and it internationalised me and made me a global figure in the downstream petroleum industry, because I got the opportunity to lead a continental body. My Masters in Energy Law is a bonus. You gave me a national honour (Grand Medal)- an honour reserved for a select few.

You taught me to dream big; you taught me, that if my dreams don’t scare me, they aren’t big enough. Thanks to everything you have given and made me, I am at the cusp of a major break through.

Sir, if all the seas were ink, and if all the trees were pens, they will not suffice for me to express my gratitude to you. Why am I proclaiming this? Because in talking about gratitude, Allah says, “And remember when your Lord proclaimed: ‘if you show gratitude, I shall give you more…” (Q: 14:7). And our Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that, “s/he who cannot show gratitude to humans, cannot show gratitude to God.”

I am grateful Sir! And may Allah be kind to you; and may history vindicate you as it has your predecessors!

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, John Boadu

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, John Boadu, has asserted that the over 2 million Ghanaians who did not vote in the 2024 general election deserve to be praised.

According to him, the persons who decided not to vote were unhappy with the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government, and their votes would have gone against the NPP.

He added that the NPP could have gotten about 20% in the presidential election had those persons gone out to vote.

“We are even lucky that about 2.7 million people did not vote because they might have voted against us. Because the people were very angry, and that was why they didn’t want to vote.

“So, it is good they did not come to vote. We thank them. We praise them; they have done very well. Because considering why they chose not to vote, if they did and it was against us, we would have even gotten 20%,” he said in a viral video clip of a recent interview on OTEC FM.

He added, “So, it was good they did not come to vote. Now, we have to look for the reason why they did not vote and work on it.”

The former NPP general secretary also said that his party lost the 2024 election because it allowed government appointees to contest sitting Members of Parliament during its primaries.

He said that MPs who lost the primaries decided not to throw their weights behind the party, which greatly affected its fortunes.

According to updated results of the 2024 presidential election shared by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the winner of the election, President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), secured 6,591,790 votes, representing 56.42% of valid votes cast.

Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) came in second with 4,877,611 votes, accounting for 41.75%.

Independent candidate, Nana Kwame Bediako, placed third with 88,944 votes (0.76%), followed by Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, another independent candidate, with 32,457 votes (0.28%).

BAI/AE

Meanwhile, watch as Afenyo-Markin explains how he became rich

You can also watch videos from the Minority after chaos erupted during Mintah Akandoh’s vetting

Amnesty International on Tuesday urged Ghana’s newly sworn-in president, John Mahama, to prioritize human rights. The organization emphasized the importance of tackling gender disparity, safeguarding women’s rights, maintaining the right to peaceful assembly, and guaranteeing a healthy environment for every citizen.

Genevieve Partington, country director of Amnesty International Ghana, stated, “Now is the right time for the President and his government to make a clear commitment to prioritize and tackle these pressing human rights issues.”

The involvement of women in Ghana’s politics is still restricted, even with legislative initiatives to correct this. In 2024, women made up under 15 percent of the 275-member legislature. The Affirmative Action Act, passed in September, seeks to raise women’s involvement in different sectors to a minimum of 30 percent by 2026 and 50 percent by 2030. The appointment of Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang represents an important milestone. Amnesty International called on the new administration to enact policies that guarantee women’s equal involvement in shaping government policies and holding public office positions.

In areas like the Northern and Northeast regions, older women are often the focus of witchcraft accusations, resulting in discrimination, violence and displacement. Numerous victims are compelled to find shelter in camps after escaping their neighborhoods. This despite the fact that parliament approved the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill in July 2023 to make witchcraft accusations illegal. The bill prohibits the practice of accusing others of witchcraft, and sees to address the persecution of those labeled witches. However, the bill has not yet been enacted as law.

Amnesty International urged the implementation of legislation that specifically tackles these allegations and ritual assaults, as well as a national plan to inform the public about their harmful effects on human rights.

The right to peaceful assembly in Ghana is constantly infringed upon. For example, in July, officials banned a scheduled demonstration in Accra, heightening worries about the stifling of opposition. Amnesty International suggested revising the Public Order Act to secure individuals’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression and ensure that freedoms are upheld and safeguarded.

The environmental impacts of illegal mining, known as Galamsey have been met with repression, highlighting the need for government action. Amnesty International urged the new government to address illegal mining activities and their environmental consequences, ensuring the protection of communities and their right to a healthy environment.

A recent demonstration to expose the devastating effects of illegal mining, organized by the Democracy Hub, a Ghanaian civil society organization led by Oliver Baker Vormawor, resulted in the arrest of around 39 protesters who were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime, unlawful assembly, causing public disorder, and obstructing public officers in the performance of their duty.

As President Mahama begins his term, the international community and human rights organizations will closely monitor his administration’s actions toward fulfilling these human rights obligations.

A photo collage of Alexander Afenyo-Markin (L) and Mahama Ayariga

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the Majority Caucus in Parliament, accusing them of obstructing government business and attempting to intimidate the Minority.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Monday, February 2, 2025, he condemned the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s decision to suspend four Members of Parliament following chaos that erupted during the vetting of a ministerial nominee on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Afenyo-Markin argued that the Speaker overstepped his authority by suspending the MPs without due process.

“The Speaker was dealing with a disorderly conduct which took place at the committee level, where the chairman of the committee had a mandate to deal with the matters. He now says that he has, on his own, suspended these members without hearing them. The chair of the committee did not communicate anything to the Speaker, neither did the Speaker invite any of us in leadership for any discussion. In any event, even where there is punishment, our rules are clear. It can be for four days, eight days, or twelve days, according to Order 130,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin further criticised the Speaker’s unilateral actions, comparing them to an unjust judicial process.

“Can a judge shoot a thief on the streets merely because it is his view that the person has stolen without taking him through the process of evidence gathering? What becomes of the old saying that if all men find a man’s hand in the tail, his guilt must be proven?” he queried.

He also accused the NDC Majority of disregarding parliamentary procedures.

“We are aware that the NDC Majority itself has disrespected or disregarded Mr. Speaker’s orders. In fact, on the day, one of his consequential orders was to the effect that the selection committee must meet immediately and reconstitute the appointment committee”, he stated.

Calling on the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to intervene, Afenyo-Markin stated, “Let me call on the Majority Leader, who I so much respect, who has demonstrated a top-notch diplomatic posture, to tame the wild dogs who are obstructing government business. There are some elements in the NDC, in Parliament, who are overly aggressive.”

Despite his criticism, Afenyo-Markin maintained that the NPP Minority would continue to engage with the Speaker of Parliament out of respect, while also escalating the matter to their party leadership.

“We believe that the right thing to do is to grant these affected members a hearing. We have also taken the matter up. We have escalated the matter to our party level. The NPP Minority caucus is the wing of the NPP in Parliament, so, we have communicated this matter to party headquarters. The National Chairman, the General Secretary, and the national executives have become aware of this and they take the matter seriously,” he added.

He further emphasised the Minority’s resilience, “These mighty few – these happy few, will not allow itself to be intimidated. We will never surrender to any intimidation. All the issues that are being thrown at us are aimed at cowardice. None of it will work. For the records, this is the first time in the history of our Fourth Republic that a Minority in Parliament is allowing a government to form appointed ministers in record time. We’ve been most cooperative with the NDC Majority but they are bullies. They bully, they intimidate, and if you don’t stand strong, they will bully you — and we will never be bullied. We’ve supported them.”

To address the matter, Bagbin has announced the formation of a seven-member special committee to conduct a full-scale investigation into the violent confrontations that occurred during the confirmation hearings.

“The committee shall identify all members involved in the disorder and submit its report with findings and recommendations within 10 days from yesterday. Any member found culpable shall face the appropriate disciplinary measures as prescribed by the 1992 Constitution, the Parliament Act of 1965, and the Standing Orders of Parliament,” the Speaker stated.

The affected MPs are the Majority Chief Whip and MP of South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor; the Minority Chief Whip and MP of Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; the MP of Gushiegu, Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, and the MP of Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

JKB/AE

Watch a video of Afenyo-Markin revealing how he became rich below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWgGld8l6bc