Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin says he is prepared to withstand the political attacks and pressure that come with his position, insisting that such challenges will not distract him from his duties.
The Effutu MP said he was aware of the difficulties that came with leading the Minority Caucus and remained committed to discharging his mandate.
“Look, I won’t be the first minority leader to suffer attacks,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin cited the experience of current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced criminal proceedings while serving as Minority Leader under the previous administration.
“In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Was his situation not worse than mine? Do you get what I mean?” he asked.
He also noted that opposition leaders in other countries had faced even more severe political and legal pressure.
“And I said, oh, sir, in other jurisdictions, minority leaders have been arrested. They are in jail. In other jurisdictions, minority leaders are made to report to investigative agencies all the time,” he said.
His comments come amid a public dispute with GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, who has accused him of making false claims about the operations of the Ghana Gold Board.
Mr Afenyo-Markin had threatened legal action over what he described as defamatory remarks against him, including allegations portraying him as an “extortionist.”
However, when asked whether he would sue Mr Gyamfi, he said he would not allow emotions to determine his response.
“I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don’t rush,” he said.
The Minority Leader said his focus remained on the Minority’s concerns over the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and reported financial losses associated with it.
“We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin described the issue as a national matter rather than a partisan campaign against the government.
“This is an important national issue. It is not a partisan call. It is a patriotic call being made by a vigilant minority; however few our numbers,” he stated.
He also called for the planned parliamentary hearing into the reported GoldBod losses to be broadcast live to allow Ghanaians to follow the proceedings.
“But I pray for a live broadcast of the hearing. We expect that once the motion is carried, there will be a full public hearing of these GoldBod losses,” he said.
