Afenyo-Markin slams parliamentary camera crew for zooming in on his shoe, alleges partisan bias

The Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has expressed strong disapproval of what he described as partisan conduct by parliamentary cameramen during Parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The incident occurred during an extended sitting of the House, which was debating the Energy Sector Levy 2025, presented under a certificate of urgency.

In a passionate address to the Speaker, the Minority Leader raised concerns over the selective focus on his shoes by the parliamentary camera crew, accusing them of targeting him.

He argued that when the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, was speaking, the cameras focused solely on his torso, presenting a professional image.

However, when he (Afenyo-Markin) momentarily removed his shoe due to discomfort, a cameraman deliberately zoomed in on his feet.

“Mr Speaker, if a cameraman deliberately films the moment when I have taken my leg out of my shoe, to play politics with a camera, we will not take kindly to it,” he stated.

“I had momentarily taken my leg out of my shoe because I was in pain, then he zoomed the camera down to capture it,” he added.

The Minority Leader questioned why the camera crew focused on his lower body while consistently capturing only the upper body of the Majority Leader.

“If they are now focusing on our legs, why is it that when they go to the Majority Leader, they only focus on the upper part of his body? If the cameraman is engaging in partisan politics, then he must be cautioned,” he vented.

The Minority Leader emphasised that the issue was not personal but a matter of principle, warning that such actions could set a bad precedent.

“Mr Speaker, I will speak on some of these things because today it may be me but tomorrow it may be you. It is not right. I was in pain, so, I removed my leg from my shoe. How come when I’m debating, you decide to only zoom down at my feet?” he questioned.

“They must be told that they should do their work professionally. Mr Speaker, I am saying this; nobody should take it personal. Nobody should hold the fort for them. Tomorrow, it will be you. As for me, I will speak on some of these things. If you think you want to support them, one day they will focus on you. So, let us stop them. It is not right that when you are zooming a camera in the chamber, you go and target the Leader’s shoe,” the Minority Leader stated.

His remarks follow a parliamentary debate to pass the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill, which was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

The minister sought the approval of the House to pass a GH¢1 levy per litre of fuel.

According to the minister, the bill aims to ensure the mobilisation of funds to address debts in the energy sector and resolve power supply challenges.

Watch a video of Afenyo-Markin's remarks below:

BAI/VPO