Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has reassigned Obuasi West MP Kwaku Kwarteng to the newly established position of Majority Spokesperson and Chairman of the Economy Committee, describing it as a promotion rather than a demotion.
While some Minority Members of Parliament view the reassignment as a demotion and advocate for its reversal, Afenyo-Markin disagrees.
“Kwaku Kwarteng has done nothing wrong to the government or the party for which he should be demoted,” he explained.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the roles of Chairman of the Economy Committee and Majority Spokesperson on economic matters hold greater significance than Kwarteng’s previous role as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
The Economy Committee, newly introduced in the revised standing orders, functions as an independent entity distinct from the Finance Committee, albeit currently with lesser authority.
The announcement, made unexpectedly during parliamentary proceedings on Friday, June 28, was met with disappointment by some Majority MPs. It was the sole change announced by Afenyo-Markin, with additional adjustments anticipated soon.
Speaking on Yen Nsempa on Onua FM on July 3, Afenyo-Markin elaborated that Kwarteng’s new role strategically aims to directly challenge the opposition’s stance on economic issues.
He threw down the gauntlet to the opposition to appoint their own economic spokesperson, highlighting that Kwarteng would specifically engage with the opposition’s Isaac Adongo on economic matters.
The Effutu MP underscored the pivotal role of the newly formed Economy Committee, forecasting it to become one of the most crucial bodies within Parliament.
“We are taking proactive steps on this side of the House to present a serious challenge. The new Economy Committee will be the most important committee in this House,” Afenyo-Markin stated.