The outgoing First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu, has endorsed Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin as the most suitable candidate to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus in the 9th Parliament.
Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps during the ongoing 7th Meeting of the Fourth Republic’s 8th Parliament on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Hon. Osei Owusu, who is also the outgoing Member of Parliament for Bekwai, stressed the importance of experience and continuity in leadership.
With the National Democratic Congress (NDC) securing a majority of the 276 parliamentary seats declared so far—claiming about 185 seats, though some are disputed—Hon. Osei Owusu believes the next Parliament will demand resolute and experienced leadership from the NPP in opposition.
“I am not a member of the 9th Parliament and nobody has asked me to do anything for the 9th Parliament. But just as a long-term member who has worked in the House, I strongly believe in longevity and experience,” he noted.
Citing historical examples, he pointed to the success of Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, the outgoing Majority Leader, who worked his way through the ranks, beginning as Chief Whip before leading the NPP Caucus.
“Longevity brings experience and clarity. From our own actions and inactions, you can tell that when Hon. Kyei was the Minority Leader, he stood out very clearly, but it did not happen by accident,” Joe Wise explained.
He argued that Hon. Afenyo Markin’s ongoing tenure has provided him with the requisite knowledge and skills to take on the challenges of the 9th Parliament, especially given the NPP’s projected position in opposition.
“My view is that, let Afenyo Markin continue. He started, and there is nobody who has had that experience before him except Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, and he is leaving Parliament. We need someone who is strong-headed and willing to stand the heat,” Joe Wise added.
Acknowledging the controversies surrounding Hon. Afenyo Markin, he emphasized that the nature of the next Parliament, with the NPP holding an estimated 91 seats, would require a leader with resilience and a strong voice to represent the party effectively in and out of the Chamber.
“At best, we will get 91 seats, and we cannot change any decision. But our voices must be very loudly heard in and out of the Chamber. What it requires is somebody who is strong-headed and willing to stand the heat,” he stated.
Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, the MP for Effutu, has been a central figure in the 8th Parliament, serving as the Deputy Majority Leader. His leadership style has often been in the spotlight, but he remains a key player in the NPP’s parliamentary strategy.
As the NPP prepares for life in opposition in the 9th Parliament, Hon. Osei Owusu’s endorsement of Afenyo Markin underscores the need for experienced leadership to navigate the complex parliamentary dynamics ahead.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
