'Minority leadership has been difficult' - Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says the Minority in Parliament must work harder and adopt a focused strategy to make its voice heard despite its numerical disadvantage.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on August 24, 2026, Afenyo-Markin said the Minority faces a difficult task in a Parliament where the Majority has 189 MPs.

“It is a very difficult one because you are in opposition, and you need to work hard with your colleagues to ensure that, notwithstanding your numbers, your voice is heard,” he indicated.

He noted that the parliamentary arithmetic, coupled with the political composition of the leadership of the House, presents additional challenges for the Minority.

“So, getting your voice heard in a chamber where the Majority is 189 can be very difficult,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin also pointed to the Speaker and First Deputy Speaker as factors the Minority must contend with.

“You have a speaker who is not on your side in terms of party affiliation, and you have a first deputy who is also part of the Majority, and obviously, his first mandate will be to protect his side,” he said.

He said the situation requires the Minority to demonstrate hard work, determination, and a focused strategy in navigating parliamentary business.

'NDC can easily come together despite divisions unlike NPP' – Afenyo-Markin

However, Afenyo-Markin said the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is not intimidated by its current numbers, citing the party’s history of operating with a smaller parliamentary representation.

He recalled that in the Second Parliament, the NPP had 61 MPs compared with the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) 133 MPs.

“But through their industry, by the 2000 election, that 61 increased to 102,” he noted.

Afenyo-Markin said the current 87-member Minority could similarly build its strength through effective parliamentary work.

“So, I’m not perturbed at all by the numbers today. We’re 87. We say we are a mighty minority,” he said.

He stressed that the Minority’s influence should be judged by the quality of its contributions rather than its numerical strength.

“We feel the might in the substance we put out, and we are not intimidated by the numbers.

“Our voice must be heard, and when people hear us, they must see substance in us,” he indicated.

MRA/VPO

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