The leader of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has accused the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of acting in an “evil” and undemocratic manner.
In a scathing attack on the Speaker’s ruling declaring four parliamentary seats as vacant, the Effutu MP accused the Speaker and the NDC caucus of undermining the democratic process in Parliament.
At a press conference on Friday, October 18, 2024, Mr Afenyo-Markin strongly called on Ghanaians to condemn what he described as “evil” behaviour, asserting that the opposition’s actions were a deliberate attempt to create 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,” he said. “What they did in Parliament yesterday was evil.”
Afenyo-Markin also criticized the NDC for prematurely declaring leadership in Parliament. He pointed out that the leader of the NDC caucus, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, had already proclaimed himself as the Majority Leader, despite Speaker Bagbin still addressing him as such during the session.
“In fact, Mr Speaker himself, despite doing their bidding, fell short of declaring them the Majority and still addresses me as Majority Leader,” the Effutu MP remarked.
Afenyo-Markin also took issue with comments made by former President John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s 2024 flagbearer, who claimed during a campaign rally that God had granted the NDC majority status in Parliament as a sign of their impending electoral victory.
“Is that how God grants Majority status to individuals who are full of mischief, vicious, and evil?” he quizzed.
Mr Afenyo-Markin accused the NDC of choosing chaos over democracy, contrasting their behaviour with the law-abiding stance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“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 will advance the cause of our democracy,” he added.
The four affected MPs are Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), and Andrew Asiamah (Fomena). Three of the four belonged to the NPP, while one was a member of the NDC. The Speaker’s ruling was based on the MPs’ decision to either contest the 2024 elections as independent candidates or switch party allegiances, triggering the loss of their seats.
The declaration has sparked a political reshuffle in Parliament, with the NDC claiming to have gained a Majority of 136 seats compared to the NPP’s 135.
Source:newsalertgh.com