Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has raised concerns about the strained relationship between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, accusing him of exacerbating tensions between the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucuses.
Afenyo-Markin’ comments highlight the frustration within the Majority over Speaker Bagbin’s handling of parliamentary proceedings, which he described as putting the NPP “through too much hell.”
During a media briefing today, Afenyo-Markin recounted a recent incident involving a planned meeting between himself and Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, which he claims was organized by the Speaker but abruptly canceled.
“On Friday, a formal majority leader who had engaged Mr Speaker had told me that Mr Speaker wants to have a meeting with me. I went to his secretariat. Mr Speaker saw me. And then he said [oh he wants to meet the two leaders]. I reached out to my colleague Dr. Ato Forson that Mr Speaker wanted to meet the two of us. Before I could say Jack Mr Speaker had moved his car and left. He had left,” Afenyo-Markin recounted.
According to Afenyo-Markin, he received no further communication from the Speaker following this encounter.
“My phone is on. I have not received any call,” he stated, noting that the Speaker has multiple ways to reach him, whether directly or through his aides. He suggested that the incident reflects broader issues of communication and cooperation within the 8th Parliament, which he believes have undermined the NPP’s ability to work effectively.
Afenyo-Markin did not shy away from expressing the Majority’s frustrations, bluntly stating, “NPP in parliament is bleeding. We have gone through too much hell in the hands of Mr Speaker. We just don’t talk about it. We’ve managed the situation for far too long.” His remarks indicate a growing sense of discontent within the NPP, which views the Speaker’s approach as biased and uncooperative.
Despite his grievances, Afenyo-Markin extended an appeal to Speaker Bagbin for improved collaboration as the current parliamentary session progresses. “At this point, we will call Mr Speaker that [let us end the 8th parliament on a very happy and good note. Let’s work together],” he urged, suggesting that a more cooperative atmosphere would benefit both sides and foster stability within Parliament.
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