There’s no time to waste; accept your new status as Minority Leader – Ahmed Ibrahim to Afenyo-Markin

The First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to accept his new role as the Minority Leader and return to Parliament to resume government business.

This appeal follows Speaker Alban Bagbin’s recent decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant, which has significantly altered the balance of power in the House.

The affected MPs—Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kojo Asante (Suhum), Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), and Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central)—have all opted to contest the upcoming elections as independent candidates.

As a result, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) now holds 136 seats, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been reduced to 135 seats, effectively making the NDC the majority party in Parliament.

In an interview with Channel One TV on Thursday, October 17, Ibrahim highlighted the urgent need for parliamentary work to continue, especially with the upcoming elections approaching.

He pointed out that the current session of the Eighth Parliament is running short on time, making it crucial for all members to engage actively in legislative duties.

Mr Ibrahim emphasised that Mr Afenyo-Markin and his caucus must return to the chamber to fulfil their responsibilities, asserting that government business cannot be neglected, regardless of the political circumstances.

He underscored the importance of cooperation and commitment to governance, particularly in the face of the ongoing challenges facing the country.

“We have 50 days to elections and within these 50 days, there are major tasks ahead of us. If the new Minority Leader, Afenyo-Markin, is not aware, he has to come and the new finance minister has to prepare a vote on account.”

“So he (Afenyo-Markin) has no time to say that he is waiting for the Supreme Court to come with an interpretation…Ghana will not wait for them. We have 50 days to the election.

“We have three weeks to work in Parliament. Within these three weeks, he should accept his status as a minority leader. He is a minority leader and leader of government business,” he added.

source: myjoyonline