Afenyo-Markin blasts Majority Chief Whip

The Minority Leader of Parliament Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin took a swipe at the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, during proceedings on the floor of Parliament, insisting that the latter must show him due respect as a senior member of the House.

The heated exchange occurred on February 19, 2026, during deliberations on the Security and Intelligence Agency Bill, 2025, when members debated procedural issues relating to motions and amendments before the House.

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The disagreement began when Afenyo-Markin raised concerns about the Majority Chief Whip’s reference to Motion 21 and its purported relationship with Motion 25.

Addressing the Speaker, the Minority Leader argued that the Majority Chief Whip ought to have clearly cited the specific Standing Order backing his application.

“Mr Speaker, it is important for the Majority Chief Whip to specifically refer to the order in the rules book upon which he mounts his application,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

He referenced Standing Order 168(1), which provides for the referral of substantial amendments to a Winnowing Committee after a bill has been read a second time and amendments have been published on the Order Paper.

According to him, while he had no objection to the bill being referred for winnowing, the Majority Chief Whip’s earlier submission created the impression that Motion 21 was directly linked to Motion 25 a position he said required clarification.

In response, Dafeamekpor dismissed the Minority Leader’s concerns, suggesting that Afenyo-Markin may not have been attentive during proceedings.

“It does appear to me that the Minority Leader was not paying attention,” he said.

He argued that invoking Order 168 was unnecessary since the Speaker had already given a directive for the bill to be referred to the Winnowing Committee and for Motion 25 to be moved.

“The Speaker has already directed that as a result of the decision that we were referring the bill as it is to the Winnowing Committee, Motion 25 to be moved. And so would it be,” he added.

The Majority Chief Whip’s remark appeared to provoke a reaction from the Minority Leader.

Afenyo-Markin insisted that as a senior member of the House, he deserved a more respectful approach, even in disagreement.

“The Majority Chief Whip knows that I am a senior in this chamber. So even if he disagrees with me… he should find an amicable way of dealing with said disagreements,” he said.

He further emphasised his seniority, noting that both he and the Speaker were in Parliament before Dafeamekpor’s entry.

“But if he says that I wasn't paying attention to…now let it be for the record. Speaker, you see, sometimes when I disagree with you and you draw my attention that there is a better way, we do the right thing and we reconcile. He is our junior.

“You and I came into this chamber before he came. So, if you don't disagree with your senior, then you say he didn't pay attention. There are ways of managing your seniors in this house.

“Mr Speaker, especially when now he is left alone. His boss has left him. And if he doesn't get the appropriate cooperation, he knows how difficult life would be.

“So, Mr Speaker, his advice. You can see me for your guidance. You say you need my guidance and I say you can see me for your guidance.”

AM

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