Member of Parliament for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Joseph Osei-Owusu, widely known as Joe Wise, has called for Alexander Afenyo-Markin to take on the role of Minority Leader in the upcoming 9th Parliament.
His proposal follows the NPP's transition to the minority side in Parliament after a significant loss in the 2024 general elections to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking in an interview, Osei-Owusu underscored the importance of experience and continuity in parliamentary leadership. According to him, Afenyo-Markin has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that make him the ideal candidate to steer the minority group effectively.
"Afenyo-Markin has proven himself as an effective and capable leader. At this critical juncture, we need someone with his expertise to guide the minority and ensure stability within Parliament," Osei-Owusu remarked.
Drawing comparisons to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu's leadership trajectory, Joe Wise highlighted the value of consistent leadership in Parliament. He pointed out how Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu transitioned seamlessly from Minority Leader to Majority Leader, building on institutional knowledge and experience to strengthen both the party and Parliament.
"This kind of leadership progression fortifies the political party and enhances parliamentary operations. It's a path we should follow by entrusting Afenyo-Markin with the Minority Leader position," he noted.
As the NPP braces itself for opposition politics, Osei-Owusu cautioned against the appointment of an inexperienced leader. He stressed that the minority group requires someone deeply familiar with parliamentary procedures to navigate the challenges ahead.
"Choosing a newcomer could disrupt the balance we've carefully built. We need someone who understands the intricacies of parliamentary work and can effectively manage the role’s complexities," he explained.