Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin has strongly criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the governing party of abandoning its principles and engaging in political double standards and hypocrisy over amendments made to the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill passed by Parliament.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday May 29, 2026 ahead of the passing of the controversial bill, the Minority Leader recounted that the NDC, which previously resisted any attempts to amend the original legislation while in opposition, has now made a u-turn and diluted key provisions after assuming power.
According to Osahen Afenyo-Markin who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, the amendments introduced by the NDC Majority expose what he described as a glaring contradiction between the party’s previous position and its current actions in government.
“Clearly, this evening, this country has witnessed an unprincipled political act by our friends in the Majority. They may try and act smart, but smartness does not last. Integrity lasts,” he declared.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin maintained that when the bill was first introduced in the Eighth Parliament, proponents within the NDC strongly opposed any suggestions for amendments despite concerns raised by members of the then New Patriotic Party (NPP) Majority caucus.
He recalled that during consultations on the bill, the NPP drew attention to what it considered problematic clauses and potential legal challenges.
However, he recalled those concerns were ignored by the bill’s sponsors on the NDC side.
“Today, as they take responsibility for governance, they realise that indeed the issues we raised are still critical,” he said.
The Minority Leader argued that the very legislation the NDC had insisted former President Nana Akufo-Addo should assent to has now been changed by the same party.
“The very law that they wanted Nana Akufo-Addo to sign, when they were faced with the same law, they amended and diluted that same law. Such a double standard does not pass for a man with principles,” he stated.
Exposing inconsistency
Drawing on literature Osahen Afenyo-Markin quoted Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s novel ‘Weep Not, Child,’ saying, “The ravening clouds shall not long be victorious. They shall not long possess the sky.”
The quotation served as a metaphor for his belief that what he views as political inconsistency and opportunism would eventually be exposed.
He said history and posterity would ultimately judge the actions of the government and the decisions surrounding the amended anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Need to maintain consistent position
Political parties, Osahen Afenyo-Markin maintained, should uphold consistency between the positions they take in opposition and those they adopt in government.
“It is not enough to say one thing in opposition and, when you get power, change your stand thinking that nobody can read through it,” he said.
The Minority Leader challenged the NDC to explain the differences between the earlier version of the bill and the revised version that was hurriedly passed last Friday.
He called on religious groups, traditional leaders and civil society organisations to compare the two versions and determine whether the amendments had weakened the original intent of the legislation.
“Who in this country is the NDC trying to deceive? The religious leaders? Our chiefs? Our civil society?” he asked.
According to Osahen Afenyo-Markin, the amendments suggest that the government itself recognises that the original bill contained provisions that would have made presidential assent difficult.
“I know that indeed President Mahama could not have signed that bill, and the NDC knows that they cannot present the same bill,” he argued.
He argued that democratic governance requires leaders to uphold the same principles regardless of whether they are in opposition or in power.
“Whether you are in opposition or in government, let us have some values,” he said.
The Minority Leader maintained that the NPP’s objections to the amendments were based on principle rather than political convenience.
“We may be few, but we are armed with principle. We may not have the numbers to undo your actions, but we are principled,” he declared.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin warned that political expediency could have long-term consequences and suggested that voters would eventually judge the government’s actions.
Lack of commitment by some sponsors
Beyond the substance of the bill, Osahen Afenyo-Markin also questioned aspects of the parliamentary process leading to the amendments.
Some sponsor’s of the Bill, he noted, were absent during critical stages of proceedings and that motions related to the legislation were moved without the direct participation of the principal sponsors.
The Minority Leader specifically named several lawmakers associated with the bill, such as NDC MPs including Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, Sam Nartey George, Naa Adoley Sowah and Helen Adjoa Ntoso, stating that they were not present in the chamber at key moments.
According to him, the absence of the sponsors raised questions about the handling of motions connected to the legislation.
“It is important to let Ghanaians know that at this critical stage, none of the NDC sponsors of this bill was in this chamber,” Osahen Afenyo-Markin stated.
He averred that these developments demonstrated a lack of commitment to the original principles the sponsors had championed when the legislation was first introduced.
Wider criticism of government policies
The Minority Leader used the opportunity to broaden his criticism beyond the anti-LGBTQ bill, accusing the NDC administration of failing to honour several campaign promises.
He cited issues including taxation, utility tariffs, employment creation and compensation for customers who lost investments in failed financial institutions.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin accused the government of taking positions in opposition that it later abandoned after assuming office.
He pointed to the controversy surrounding the Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), stating the the NDC had campaigned vigorously against the tax but later sought alternative revenue measures that placed similar burdens on citizens.
“You came and said you were repealing the E-Levy, yet you imposed the Dumsor Levy on Ghanaians,” he said.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin also referenced increases in electricity and water tariffs, arguing that ordinary Ghanaians are now facing mounting economic pressures despite promises of relief.
The Minority Leader further criticised the government’s job creation agenda, arguing little progress had been made on pledges to expand employment opportunities.
“You said you were going to create one job, three shifts. Nothing,” he stated.
Looking ahead to 2028
The Minority Leader predicted that the electorate would ultimately assess the NDC’s record and determine whether the party had remained faithful to its promises.
He suggested that the political consequences of the government’s decisions would become evident in future elections.
“2028 is not far away,” he said, warning that political fortunes can change rapidly.
