)
Stop describing me as leader of NPP Caucus, I am the majority leader - Afenyo-Markin
Accra, Ghana - Nov 11, 2024 - Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has made it clear that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament (MPs) will not occupy the minority seats in Parliament.
This statement comes as the country awaits a Supreme Court ruling on the contentious issue surrounding Speaker Alban Bagbin's decision regarding four vacant seats in the House.
“The council of state reached out to me again that they have spoken to Mr Speaker, and he concedes that he has not made a ruling and that the NDC will move to their own seat; he gave them that assurance. The council of state communicated that to us and if in all this Mr Speaker decides to [not comply], what should I do?'' he stated.
“I should go and sit in the minority seat? Spiritually it is not even good. You have three weeks to election. I should go and sit on the minority side. Is that my seat? I will not go and sit there. I will never do it. That is not my rightful place.
“I should go to the minority side, spiritually make myself a minority person and bind my colleagues? We will not do that. No NPP person will do that''.
“The Speaker must do what is right and ensure that the Minority takes their rightful seats,” Afenyo-Markin added.
He was also seen interrupting Citi Fm's Jude Duncan earlier this morning at the Supreme Court, stating; ''Stop descrbing me as leader of NPP Caucus, stop misreporting, I am the majority leader. I wll continue to correct you. Do the right thing.''
The dispute started when Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant due to alleged constitutional violations by the affected Members of Parliament.
However, Afenyo-Markin and the NPP have challenged this decision, arguing that the Speaker overstepped his constitutional authority.
The Supreme Court is set to deliver its judgment on November 12, 2024, and this ruling will have significant implications for Ghana's parliamentary procedures and the balance of power between the Speaker and the judiciary.
Source: Lead News Online
