Former Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, now serving as Minority Leader, caused surprise among listeners and viewers during a live radio and TV appearance on Thursday, October 17, 2024. He insisted that the journalist introduce him by his previous title of Majority Leader before conducting the interview.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament, previously part of the Majority Caucus in the 8th Parliament of Ghana, swiftly transitioned to become the Minority side on the same day. This change also affected the titles of their leadership.
This shift occurred after Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, declared four parliamentary seats vacant following a move by the NDC MPs. This action was based on Article 97 [1(g) & (h)] of the 1992 Constitution.
Haruna Iddrisu spearheaded the move in response to NPP members from Agona West and Suhum submitting nominations to run as independent candidates in the upcoming election.
Similarly, the independent MP for Fomena and the Amenfi Central MP, part of the NDC, also filed nominations as independent candidates.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Effutu MP, expressed his displeasure during an interview on Joy FM and JoyNews, as he insisted on being referred to by his former title amidst these developments.
Below are the excerpts from the conversation between the MP and the journalist during the live interview regarding the Parliament situation:…” Please proceed with reintroducing me.” The journalist then stated, “We have Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the MP for Effutu, on the line.”
The MP expressed his dissatisfaction by saying, “You must introduce me correctly, or I will disconnect.” The journalist promptly responded by saying, “Is it acceptable for me to refer to you as the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin?”
The MP replied, “Young man, you should properly introduce someone when practicing journalism.” You are responsible for completing the tasks without needing reminders. What benefits do you derive from this interaction? Is it acceptable for us to engage in playful banter?”
The journalist replied, “No, no. The MP swiftly interjected, “I only stated that I have the Majority Leader… You began with ‘I have Alexander Afenyo-Markin,’ followed by ‘MP for Effutu,’ prompting me to correct you.
Please, let us act in accordance with proper procedures. All the responses generated must be in the English language. Is that acceptable? Please proceed with the correct action.
The journalist then apologized, saying, “Okay, please forgive me.” Allow me to introduce Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
A contented Afenyo-Markin replied, “Yes, sir, good evening to you; thanks for having me.”
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭👊🏾🗣️: Afenyo Markin, who has has ‘assumed the role’ of minority leader following the speaker’s decision, refused to speak to a @JoyNewsOnTV journalist unless addressed by his former title as majority leader.
🦅🇬🇭 https://t.co/kITZeWJqzt pic.twitter.com/7xOJOclsH1
— Ölele | DTS👨🏾🍳🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) October 17, 2024
