We Rejects “Micro-Minority” Label- Afenyo-Markin Demands Respect for Minority Caucus
Minority Leader, Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin has strongly objected to Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s reference to the Minority Caucus as a “micro-minority” during a heated proceeding of the 9th Parliament on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
Afenyo-Markin took immediate issue with the Speaker’s use of the term, arguing that it was neither appropriate nor in line with parliamentary norms.
The protest followed the Speaker’s statement, in which he claimed that he was bound by law to protect the “micro-minority” from the Majority Caucus’s actions.
Rising to his feet in protest, Afenyo-Markin declared, “Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, I must respond to your comment about your duty to protect the micro-minority. We do not have a micro-minority. The rules of this House provide for the minority and the majority.” He further insisted that the Minority Caucus should simply be referred to as the “Minority.”
In his response, Afenyo-Markin also highlighted the historical role the Minority played in the election of Speaker Bagbin, asserting that it was their support that ensured his election.
“Mr. Speaker, we seconded the motion for your election. When the so-called majority conspired against you, it was us, the minority of conscience, who stood by you. We protected you, Mr. Speaker. But for us, you wouldn’t be Speaker,” he said.
The tension escalated when Afenyo-Markin issued a firm directive to the House, stating, “Nobody should use that term in this House. It is not acceptable, Mr. Speaker. From today, that term must be banned from use in this chamber.”
In response, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the protest from the Minority Leader and assured the House that the term “micro-minority” would no longer be used officially to refer to the Minority Caucus in parliamentary proceedings.
Source: Felix Nyaaba//expressnewsghana.com
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