The Minority Leader of Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on members of the Minority Caucus to put Ghana’s national interest above partisan politics, urging them to serve as patriots and custodians of the country’s democratic legacy and fighting against all forms of corruption.
Addressing the caucus at a Pre-Opening Workshop ahead of the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament, the Effutu legislator reminded his colleagues that their foremost duty was not to their political party, but to the Republic of Ghana.
“Beyond the partisan contests of today, we will all face the judgment of history. Someday, future generations will look back and ask, did we act as politicians, or did we act as patriots? Let it be said that we chose what was right for Ghana, even when it was hard,” he said.
Osahen described national responsibility as the guiding principle of their work, stressing that every decision made in Parliament must be measured by a single test, whether it serves the people of Ghana.
“We are here to advance the welfare of all. We must construct a future brighter for the next generation. When the government does what is right, we can support it in good conscience. When it errs, we must oppose firmly but fairly.”
Opposition as a Pillar of Democracy
The Minority Leader emphasized that serving in opposition is both a privilege and a burden that must be carried with integrity and dedication.
He described the Minority as the “backbone” of Ghana’s democracy, a force of accountability and conscience that strengthens governance through constructive engagement.
“If the Majority provides the muscle of governance, then the Minority must be the backbone,” he stated, and added that “we do not oppose for opposition’s sake; we oppose when we must and propose whenever we can, because our loyalty is to Ghana and good governance.”
Osahen noted that the strength of the Minority rests on discipline, unity, loyalty and leadership by example, urging MPs to demonstrate professionalism in their parliamentary duties.
This, according to him, demands discipline to show up early, to study every bill and to listen to the needs of the constituents.
The Effutu MP urged his colleagues to remain loyal to truth and country, even when partisan pressures mount.
He cautioned against internal divisions, noting that when the Minority speaks with one voice, it cannot be easily ignored.
“We must be loyal to our oath, loyal to our constituents, and loyal to the national interest. If we in the Minority stay loyal to our principles and to one another, no amount of pressure or privilege can divert us from the path that serves Ghana.”
He challenged the caucus to lead by example in ideas, ethics and service – advancing solutions, creating jobs, fighting corruption and championing reforms that strengthen governance.
“Being in opposition is not weakness, it is power harnessed in service of the public good.”
A Spirit of Engagement and Hope
Afenyo-Markin also underscored the importance of constant engagement both with citizens and across the political aisle as essential to sustaining Ghana’s democratic vibrancy.
“The walls of Parliament do not separate us from the real world; they connect us to every village and community. We can debate policies fiercely without seeing each other as enemies, for we are all compatriots,” he noted.
