The new Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in the Parliament of Ghana, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on Friday, February 23, 2024 declared his unwavering commitment to working for a unified Ghana, where the dreams and aspirations of the people for a sustainable economic growth, social equality and enduring prosperity would be achieved.
This, he assured to do, by working hand-in-hand with the Minority Group, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in parliamentary democracy to ensure that players in the political space depart from extreme and destructive partisan politics.
He also revealed his quest to operate an open-door policy to welcome practical ideas, suggestions, and constructive engagement from all to foster a stronger, more effective and more accountable Parliament that is responsive to the needs of the country.
“Let us move towards a unified approach where the long-term national interests supersede short-term political gains. Our citizens look to us, their elected representatives, for solutions that bridge political divides and foster national unity and development.
“Therefore, let us rise to this call with a renewed commitment to collaborative governance, innovative policy making, and a dedication to the welfare of every Ghanaian”, he noted in a speech he delivered titled “A New Chapter in Parliamentary Leadership: Uniting for Ghana’s Prosperous Future”.
His statement was in response to the Speaker’s announcement, which pronounced him as the new Majority Leader of the Parliament of Ghana, replacing the long-serving Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, MP for Suame and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
He said the multifaceted challenges faced by Ghana, especially as a result of external shocks, should demand the collective attention and action of all interested parties, stressing that the path to sustainable growth and equity requires further collective endeavours and innovative approaches.
He urged MPs from both sides of the House to show leadership by rising to navigate those challenges not as incongruent political entities, but as a united representative of the Ghanaian people, whose primary interest lies in the prosperity and wellbeing of the nation.
“Our nation’s economy, an epitome of growth in the region prior to the impacts of COVID-19 and the ongoing Russian-Ukraine conflict, now grapples with pressing issues. Escalating national debt and rising inflation have significantly undermined fiscal stability, eroding the purchasing power of our citizens.
“On the social front, while the government under the esteemed leadership of President Nana Akuffo-Addo, with the invaluable support of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has commendably created over 2 million jobs, thereby rescuing a considerable segment of our youth from unemployment, the challenge of joblessness, especially underemployment, persists.
“These concerns are not just economic in nature; they call for comprehensive social reform to ensure equitable development for all Ghanaians”, Afenyo-Markin, a former deputy Majority Leader noted in his delivery.
He added, “Let us rise to this call with a renewed commitment to collaborative governance, innovative policy making, and a dedication to the welfare of every Ghanaian. This is the time for us to collectively steer our beloved nation towards a future marked by sustainable economic growth, social equality, and enduring prosperity through policies we shape here and the laws we make in this hallowed chamber.
“Our quest for political capital must not overshadow the pressing needs of our nation. The road ahead calls for heightened cooperation between the Minority and the Majority. This unity of purpose is essential for realizing the mandate entrusted to us by the people of Ghana.
“I dare say that the dangers of politicizing every issue must be consciously avoided. We must strive to build greater consensus, foster intimate dialogue, and engender a spirit of bipartisanship that is focused on national development”.
Another debilitating issue which he noted, demanded the leadership of the House, was the climate crisis confronting the country. To the Effutu lawmaker, embracing sustainability and implementing impactful green initiatives, is the best way to go to inspire others, noting that “proving climate action starts at home”.
To achieve this, he proposed that an audit be conducted in the country’s environmental footprint to identify areas for improvement; Invest in renewable energy like solar; Introduce a roadmap towards a paperless parliament; Implement energy-efficient measures in the buildings of Parliament; and Partner with environmental experts to learn and strategise.
“These steps will transform the Ghanaian Parliament into a model of sustainability, inspiring others and demonstrating our commitment to a greener future”, he averred.
Commenting further, Afenyo-Markin, who prior to his elevation to the position of Majority Leader, was the Leader of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the youth to be inspired by his journey to the topmost position in his political career, at least for now.
“My journey is a testament to hope and resilience. It is a narrative that I hope will inspire and resonate with those among you who are navigating similar challenges that I once faced. Let my path be a source of inspiration, demonstrating that through faith, diligence, and unyielding determination, one can transcend the barriers of poverty”, he said.
By Stephen Odoi-Larbi
