NDC’s Majority In Parliament Will Be Short-Lived- Afenyo-Markin

As Ghana’s 8th Parliament prepares to conclude its term, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has issued a stern prediction to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), forecasting that their majority will be short-lived.

Addressing lawmakers at Parliament House ahead of the final proceedings, Mr Afenyo-Markin, an MP for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), confidently declared: “You have an overwhelming majority, but that majority will start reducing on the 8th of January. Ghanaians will make us majority in 2028.”

The remarks underscore the NPP’s ambition to reclaim dominance in Parliament following their defeat in the last general elections.

A Swipe at NDC’s Promises

Mr Afenyo-Markin used his address to challenge the NDC’s campaign promises, particularly their pledge to cut taxes if elected into government. He questioned the feasibility of such policies without clear plans for revenue generation.

“You say you are going to reduce taxes, repeal the betting tax, the e-levy, and reduce taxes at the ports. We wonder where you get the money to implement the Nkuko keten kete,” he remarked, referencing an NDC slogan.

His statement reflects the NPP’s broader strategy of scrutinising the opposition’s commitments as the country heads into a new parliamentary cycle.

Acknowledgement of Past Mistakes

In a moment of candour, Mr Afenyo-Markin conceded that the NPP, during its time in government, had made mistakes, acknowledging the challenges of governance.

“No party can run a perfect government in this country. When you get into government, whilst you are happy to implement your policies, you are likely to make some mistakes. We concede that some mistakes were made,” he said.

Despite this admission, he cast doubt on the NDC’s ability to fulfil its pledges, hinting at struggles that lie ahead for the party.

“The coming days and years will reveal the true colours of this umbrella. And the elephant will be watching keenly in this chamber,” he quipped, drawing on the NPP’s elephant symbol and the NDC’s umbrella emblem.

Call for Unity and MP Welfare

Looking ahead to the challenges of opposition, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged his NPP colleagues to remain focused and vigilant, while also appealing for cooperation on matters affecting the welfare of MPs.

“We may have our disagreements, but it is obvious that members’ welfare has been key to your leadership. Nobody can take it away from you,” he said, commending the Speaker of Parliament.

He further appealed to the incoming administration to ensure the release of statutory funds to support MPs’ constituency projects, especially for those leaving Parliament.

“Members have projects outstanding in their constituencies. We need to work together to ensure that statutory funds that are outstanding are released so that members can continue their projects,” he noted.

The Path Ahead

With the NDC set to take the reins in Parliament, the remarks by the Majority Leader highlight the tense political competition that lies ahead. As both parties prepare for the next election cycle, debates over policy implementation and governance are likely to intensify.

For now, Mr Afenyo-Markin’s statement serves as both a reflection on the NPP’s tenure and a rallying cry for his party to regain ground in Ghana’s evolving political landscape.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com