Maintain Afenyo-Markin as NPP leader in the 9th Parliament – Joe Wise
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, has called for the retention of Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the leader of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in the 9th Parliament.
Mr. Osei-Owusu, who is retiring at the end of his current term, explained that Mr. Afenyo-Markin is experienced in parliamentary leadership, and for that matter, he is fit for that position.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin was previously the Deputy Majority Leader in the Parliament of Ghana until February 2024, when he was promoted to Majority Leader as part of a reshuffle by President Nana Akufo-Addo and the leadership of the New Patriotic Party.
Joe Wise, in his justification, said, “I strongly believe in longevity and experience. From our own actions and inactions, you can see that when Kyei [Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, former Majority Leader] served as both Minority and Majority Leader, he stood out very clearly.
“But it didn’t happen by accident. He started as a Chief Whip and grew up to become a leader. Longevity brings experience and clarity. I would not support any request for a new person to be brought into the picture”.
He further argued that there is no one within the NPP, besides Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who possesses the necessary experience to lead the caucus as effectively as Mr Afenyo-Markin.
“Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is leaving Parliament. He is the only person who has some experience, which will be useful going forward. So I will not recommend any other person. My view is that, let Afenyo-Markin’s continue,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker also underscored the critical role of the caucus leader in the next Parliament, given the NPP’s reduced numbers.
Mr. Osei-Owusu highlighted the need for a strong and assertive leader who can effectively represent the caucus, even though their influence on decisions will be limited due to their minority status.
“Where we are now, we [NPP] need to be combative. We can never influence decisions. We cannot change any decision, but our voices must be very loudly heard in and out of the chamber, but it requires somebody who is strong and hot-headed and willing to stand the heat,” he added.