The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has admitted that his caucus is going through a turbulent period but accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of compounding their woes.
Speaking in the presence of some parliamentarians at a meeting on September 11, 2025, Afenyo-Markin lamented the recent defeat of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akwatia by-election, which was triggered by the death of sitting MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.
The seat was subsequently won by the NDC, reducing the NPP’s representation in Parliament.
“On our side, as the Minority, we’re going through some turbulence. We came in with 88, and the Majority would not let us have our peace; they just snatched one seat from us, so we’re now back to mighty 87,” he said.
Despite the setback, the Minority Leader expressed optimism that history offers his side inspiration to remain resilient.
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He recalled how, during the early 2000s, the then-opposition NDC led by now Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin bounced back after losing multiple by-elections in President John Agyekum Kufuor’s first term.
“We draw a lot of inspiration from our friends in government today, who were led by the Right Honourable Speaker.
“In the 2000 elections, the government had just lost power for the first time after 11 years of PNDC military rule and two successive elections. The whole party was disoriented, and he was brought in to lead,” Afenyo-Markin recounted.
He noted that between 2001 and 2004, the NDC lost all seven by-elections to the NPP, which at the time had more seats in Parliament. However, the opposition remained resolute, reclaiming key seats in 2004 and eventually regaining power in 2008.
“So, when there is a history of precedence, you can only be inspired to work hard,” he added.
The NPP now holds 87 seats in Parliament compared to the NDC’s strengthened majority.
