The leader of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the public to condemn the actions of Speaker Alban Bagbin and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus, labeling their conduct as “evil” and undemocratic.
This comes in response to Speaker Bagbin’s declaration that four seats in Parliament are vacant, including three held by NPP MPs and one by the NDC. The ruling has shifted the balance of power in Parliament, with the NDC claiming a majority with 136 seats against the NPP’s 135.
During a press conference on Friday, Afenyo-Markin urged Ghanaians to denounce the behaviour of Speaker Bagbin and the NDC caucus, accusing them of undermining democracy. He expressed concern over what he viewed as a deliberate attempt by the opposition to claim a false majority in Parliament.
“We call on the good people of Ghana to condemn the conduct of Speaker Alban Bagbin and the NDC Caucus,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He also criticized the NDC’s swift proclamation of leadership in Parliament, noting that Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the opposition caucus leader, prematurely declared himself the Majority Leader, despite Speaker Bagbin continuing to address Afenyo-Markin as the Majority Leader during proceedings.
“In fact, Mr. Speaker himself, despite doing their bidding, fell short of declaring them to be the Majority and still addresses me as Majority Leader,” Afenyo-Markin added.
The Effutu MP further questioned remarks made by NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama during a campaign rally, where he claimed that God had granted the NDC majority status in Parliament, suggesting victory for the party in the upcoming polls.
“Is that how God grants Majority status to individuals who are full of mischief, vicious, and evil? What they did in Parliament yesterday [Thursday] was evil,” he remarked.
Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC of prioritizing chaos over democracy, contrasting their behaviour with the law-abiding stance of the NPP. He noted that NPP members had left the chamber peacefully, believing their case would be fairly adjudicated in court.
“We are law-abiding citizens, that is why we calmly left the chamber for them. And we know that if we make our case well in court, the court will make a determination that would advance the cause of our democracy,” he concluded.