The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has entreated members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the legislature to diligently carry the aspirations of Ghanaians and be the voice of the people.
Speaking at a strategic workshop for the Minority Caucus ahead of the opening of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament tomorrow, 21st October, 2025, Osahen Afenyo-Markin said the NPP lawmakers are in a privileged position to protect and defend Ghana’s democracy.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Minority to play a proactive role in shaping the legislative agenda and advancing the interests of Ghanaians through constructive parliamentary engagement.
The lawmakers, the Minority Leader noted, have been entrusted with the sacred duty to make Ghana’s democracy work for the benefit of all.
“We are here charged with a responsibility to strengthen our democracy from the side of the opposition, and to do so with integrity, dedication, and love of country.
“Let us lead by example, engage with open hearts and ears, and carry out our national responsibility with resolve. In doing so, we will uphold the torch passed on by our forebears and light the way for those to come.
“Serving in opposition is a privilege and a burden that we carry on behalf of our democracy. It has been said that the true measure of a democracy is the steadfastness of those who stand as its conscience.
“If the Majority provides the muscle of governance, then the Minority must be the backbone, strong and unbending in our commitment to accountability, justice, and the national interest,” Osahen Afenyo-Markin who is also the MP for Effutu, told members of the Minority Caucus.
Objective of workshop
The workshop provided an opportunity for the Minority to deliberate on major national issues and parliamentary business, review legislative priorities, and strengthen coordination among members.
It also formed part of a broader strategy by the caucus to improve its performance on the floor of Parliament, sharpen its oversight function, and ensure members are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to national debates.
Solutions to Ghana’s problems
The Minority Leader called on members of the caucus to help provide solutions to Ghana’s challenges.
“We must strive to be the first to step forward with solutions to the problems facing our country, to articulate policies that create jobs, to insist on measures that fight corruption and to champion reforms that strengthen governance. “We must demonstrate that being in opposition is power harnessed in service of the public good.
“When we hold the government to account on spending, when we shine a light on injustices or inefficiencies, we are exercising leadership that improves the nation. And when one of us falters or falls short, let us have the courage to hold each other accountable because true leadership also means upholding the standards we set for everyone, including ourselves,” Osahen Afenyo-Markin reiterated.
Constructive criticism
Osahen Afenyo-Markin gave assurance that his side will always ensure constructive engagement in the legislature, urging members to exemplify the values they demand from their leadership.
“We do not oppose for opposition’s sake. We oppose when we must, and we propose whenever we can, because our ultimate loyalty is to Ghana and to the principles of good governance.
“To fulfil this role, we know we must exemplify the very values we ask of our leaders and ourselves. It demands discipline in our ranks, the discipline to show up early for sittings, to study every bill and brief, to listen to our constituents’ needs.
“We must work hard in committee meetings and exercise restraint and respect in the heat of parliamentary debate.
“By our discipline, we demonstrate that we are prepared to do the hard, unsung work of public service.
“It requires unity of purpose. We come from different regions, tribes, and backgrounds, and we may not agree on every tactic or detail. Yet we are bound together by the common mission to serve the people and uphold the Constitution,” Osahen Afenyo-Markin urged members of the caucus.
Unity of purpose
Osahen Afenyo-Markin also reminded members of the Minority that they can only perform their functions effectively when they are united.
“When we stand united and when we speak with one clear voice for those we represent, we cannot be easily ignored. Unity means forging our ideas into a single, stronger force for the good of this nation.
“Let the country see that, even in our debates and internal discussions, we ultimately rally around what is just and right. In our unity, Ghana’s many voices find harmony.
“It calls for loyalty. Each of us has sworn an oath to defend the welfare of the Ghanaian people. That oath must come before all else. We must be loyal to the truth, even when it is inconvenient. Loyal to our constituents, even when they demand difficult changes. Loyal to the national interest, especially when partisan temptations beckon.
“Such loyalty means we do not waver in speaking up for what is right, and we do not break faith with the people who placed their trust in us. If we in the Minority stay loyal to our principles and to one another, then no amount of pressure or privilege can divert us from the path that serves Ghana,” the Minority Leader emphasised.
