“I’ll Support You, But My Mission Is to Turn Minority into Majority— Afenyo-Markin Tells Agalga
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has pledged to work constructively with newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga, while making it clear that his ultimate political objective is to transform the Minority Caucus into the Majority in Parliament.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, August 27, following Mr Agalga’s formal assumption of the Majority Leader position, Mr Afenyo-Markin said his approach to parliamentary business would not be driven by obstruction but by constructive scrutiny and the presentation of alternative perspectives.
He assured Mr Agalga that he could count on him as a colleague and friend, stressing that healthy parliamentary debate required opposing sides to engage constructively on issues of national importance.
“I want you to know that you can count on me as a friend. My role is not to obstruct you but to offer viewpoints that may help you see things differently,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
The Minority Leader also pledged to bring research and substantive analysis to parliamentary debates as part of his responsibility to scrutinise government policies, programmes and decisions.
“I promise to deliver well-researched information for all my debates. That is my commitment,” he added.
Despite the conciliatory tone of his remarks, Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasised that his support for Mr Agalga would not compromise the political objectives of the Minority Caucus.
According to him, his principal responsibility as Minority Leader is to strengthen the caucus, effectively scrutinise the government and position the opposition for a return to the majority side of the House.
“My job really, my job really is to turn this Minority into Majority. That really is my job,” he stressed.
He consequently cautioned the new Majority Leader against any attempt to weaken or infiltrate the Minority Caucus, signalling that while the two leaders could cooperate on parliamentary matters, they remained political opponents with distinct responsibilities.
Mr Agalga officially assumed the position of Majority Leader following a communication from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announcing changes to the leadership of the NDC Parliamentary Caucus.
The leadership reshuffle followed the nomination of former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The change has placed Mr Agalga at the centre of the Majority Caucus as he takes over the leadership of government business in Parliament, while Mr Afenyo-Markin remains firmly focused on strengthening the opposition and challenging the government’s policies and decisions.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/ExpressNewsGhana.com
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