If Parliament belongs to you then take it – Afenyo-Markin fumes at Bagbin

The leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has taken on the Speaker, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Alban Bagbin following his decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.

This move had effectively tipped the balance in favor of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), allowing them to gain a Majority in Parliament.

At a press conference held on Friday, Afenyo-Markin expressed his dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s actions, which he described as heavy-handed.

“The Speaker’s conduct was nothing short of dictatorial and autocratic,” he stated, clearly frustrated by the turn of events.

He explained that this approach had undermined his ability to present a counterargument during parliamentary proceedings, which he saw as a violation of parliamentary decorum.

According to the NPP leader, the decision was imposed on them without room for discussion. He emphasized that even when he attempted to bring forth a legal and constitutional argument in his capacity as the Majority Leader, he was obstructed.

“I was simply trying to engage in a constitutional discussion, but I was blocked. The Speaker brought in the Marshall to intervene. Is this how Parliament is supposed to function?” Afenyo-Markin questioned.

Visibly agitated, he did not mince words as he concluded his remarks, suggesting that if Parliament was to operate solely on the whims of Speaker Bagbin, then the Speaker should “take full ownership” of it.

His pointed remark was a sharp critique of the Speaker’s decision-making process, which Afenyo-Markin believes has now veered away from fairness.

He also reminded Honourable Bagbin of his broader responsibility beyond the NDC, stressing that the Speaker’s position is not rooted in support from just one party.

“He was not elected by NDC members alone,” Afenyo-Markin insisted. “His legacy will be judged by future generations, and I hope he reflects on that.”

This comes after Speaker Alban Bagbin declared four seats in Parliament vacant. Three of the seats were occupied by NPP MP’s whereas one was held by the NDC.

The ruling affects MPs Cynthia Morrison (Agona West), Kwadjo Asante (Suhum), Peter Kwakye Ackah (Amenfi Central), and Andrew Asiamah (Fomena), who either opted to contest the 2024 elections as independent candidates or switched party allegiances.