The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has announced a significant restructuring of the majority leadership, starting with the removal of Obuasi West MP Kwaku Kwarteng from his role as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
This change was disclosed on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 28, catching many Majority MPs by surprise and causing some disappointment among them.
According to JoyNews, Mr Kwarteng will now serve as the Majority Spokesperson and Chairman of the newly established Economy Committee.
The Economy Committee, separated from the Finance Committee in the latest standing orders, possesses less authority compared to its predecessor but is expected to play a crucial role in parliamentary affairs.
Explaining the rationale behind this reshuffle, Afenyo-Markin highlighted Kwarteng’s capability to effectively counter the opposition’s stance on economic matters.
“We are challenging you to come up with your spokesperson on the economy. You have not said so officially, but we are going to make sure we have a spokesperson on the economy to challenge your Adonko. Hon Kwaku Kwarteng is going to face him directly on the Economy,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized the significance of the newly formed Economy Committee, describing it as one of the most important committees in Parliament.
He noted, “I am letting them [Minority] know some of the proactive steps we have taken on this side of the House to throw a serious challenge that it is not just about governance. We have a new Economy Committee, and it is going to be the most important Committee in this House.”