By AccraLIVE
The National Council of the New Patriotic Party has ratified Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, as the incoming Majority Leader of the Parliament. His assumption of the role is scheduled to commence today, Friday, February 23.
This noteworthy shift in the leadership of the Majority Front Bench comes in response to the recent clarification of parliamentary procedures, aligning with the Speaker’s recent ruling on the selection process.
The confirmation of these leadership changes took place during a meeting chaired by Justin Kodua Frimpong, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During this gathering, members of the Majority Caucus discussed recommendations from the National Executive Committee (NEC) regarding the leadership reshuffle.
After the meeting, our sources indicate that the General Secretary presented the recommendations, along with the concurrence letter from the Majority Caucus, to the National Council. The approval took place at a meeting held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
This process adheres to the stipulations of Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024), as interpreted by Speaker Alban SK Bagbin.
The Speaker’s interpretation has clarified that while parliamentary caucuses play a pivotal role in leadership selection, the involvement of political parties in this process cannot be sidelined, ensuring a balance between internal party democracy and parliamentary norms.
Following this, the Speaker of Parliament is expected to formally announce the leadership changes on the floor, upon receiving a comprehensive letter from the NPP General Secretary confirming the adjustments. Subsequently, the outgoing Majority Leader, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, will deliver a farewell statement, symbolizing the conclusion of his tenure.
In a ceremonial act of transition, Kyei Mensah Bonsu, along with Adansi Asokwa MP, KT Hammond, will then formally install Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the new Majority Leader. Afenyo-Markin will then deliver his first address in this new role, outlining his vision and commitments.
According to the NEC’s recommendations, the newly appointed leadership team for the Majority Front Bench will be:
1. Majority Leader: Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu
2. Deputy Majority Leader: Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa
3. Majority Chief Whip: Frank Annoh Dompreh, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri
4. First Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon
5. Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, MP for Sefwi Akontombra
After Afenyo-Markin’s statement, members from both sides of the House are anticipated to offer their contributions and support, demonstrating a unified front in Ghana’s parliamentary governance.
The reshuffle, in accordance with the Speaker’s interpretation and the Standing Orders, represents a crucial step in ensuring that Ghana’s parliamentary leadership adheres to democratic and legal principles.
Anticipated as a catalyst for change, this leadership transition is poised to inaugurate a new era in parliamentary operations, with the rejuvenated NPP team prepared to guide the nation’s legislative proceedings and advance key national development initiatives.
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