Accra: The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has firmly dismissed allegations that the Minority has been obstructive, asserting that the caucus has consistently demonstrated cooperation while fulfilling its constitutional obligation to scrutinize government activities.
According to Ghana Web, during a press conference held at Parliament House in Accra, the Minority Leader highlighted the caucus's efforts to ensure the smooth operation of the government, particularly concerning the approval of ministerial nominees and the passage of significant legislation. Afenyo-Markin pointed out that during the previous year's ministerial vetting process, only a small number of nominees required voting, with most being approved by consensus.
He emphasized that Parliament approved the nominees swiftly, driven by the Minority's understanding of the necessity for government ministries to function without undue delays. "We took a view that we should not allow ministries to remain non-operational for several months. Government needed ministers to take responsibility, and so we set a record time for approvals - something that has never happened in our Fourth Republic," Afenyo-Markin stated.
The Minority Leader further elaborated that most government bills introduced in Parliament were addressed cooperatively, with lawmakers participating in constructive amendments and adopting consensus-based approaches through standard parliamentary procedures. He underscored that while the Minority raised critical concerns about government programs, their interventions were never meant to hinder governmental operations.
"We understand that governance must be seamless, but at the same time, we cannot yield our duty to scrutinise," he noted. Drawing from his past experience as a former Majority Leader, Afenyo-Markin expressed understanding of the complexities involved in managing government affairs in Parliament and stressed that he would never intentionally obstruct proceedings.
"I have a duty to democracy to hold the government to account, and that is the work we have done," he added, acknowledging that while the Minority's actions may not always please all stakeholders, the caucus remains confident in its record, leaving history as the ultimate judge of its conduct.