Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin Condemns NDC’s ‘Grotesque Celebration of Violence
The Minority in Parliament has taken aim at senior officials within President John Mahama’s administration, accusing them of endorsing and celebrating violent behavior during the recent Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun. Signed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the statement sharply criticized public remarks made by prominent figures such as Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw and Malik Basintale, branding their comments as “grotesque” and “fundamentally incompatible with democratic governance.” Dr. Bissiw, the National Women’s Organiser of the NDC and CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, came under fire for her assertion that “violence begets violence,” a statement the Minority labeled as dangerously suggestive of justification for the brutal acts that occurred during the rerun. The criticism escalated with Malik Basintale, the Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency and Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC. According to the Minority’s statement, Basintale took to Facebook to commend the individual responsible for assaulting former MP Hawa Koomson, referring to him as “the Flying Python” and lightheartedly proposing he could lead a fictional “5K Airforce.” “This grotesque celebration of violence against a former Member of Parliament represents a new low in Ghana’s political discourse,” the Minority declared, highlighting the grave implications of such rhetoric. In light of these incidents, the Minority has urgently called on President Mahama to take a definitive stand. “The President cannot remain silent while members of his government celebrate violence against opposition figures,” they emphasized, underscoring that his response will be pivotal in shaping his legacy. The situation raises profound concerns about Ghana’s commitment to democratic governance, with the Minority warning that the normalization of political violence could undermine the nation’s democratic foundations. As tensions simmer, all eyes are now on the President as the country grapples with the ramifications of these troubling political developments. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Triumphs in Tightly Contested Ablekuma North Re-Run
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has claimed victory in the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat, with candidate Ewurabena Aubynn emerging as the winner after a closely fought re-run election. The official results, announced by Returning Officer Joseph Nii Kwartey Okpoti, revealed that Aubynn garnered an impressive 34,090 votes, edging out the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh, who received 33,881 votes. The results indicate a nail-biting margin of just 209 votes between the two candidates. Of the 68,328 ballots cast, a remarkable 67,917 were classified as valid, while only 411 votes were rejected, highlighting the high level of engagement from the electorate. This victory is particularly significant for the NDC, marking a decisive turnaround in a constituency that experienced disputes during the parliamentary elections following the Electoral Commission’s re-collation exercise. Aubynn’s win not only flips the seat in favor of the opposition but also bolsters the NDC’s influence in the Greater Accra Region. With this significant achievement, the party now holds 184 seats in Parliament, further cementing its two-thirds majority. However, the re-run was marred by unsettling reports of violence, including alleged assaults on journalists and political party agents. These incidents have triggered widespread outrage and calls for urgent investigations and accountability, as the need for a peaceful electoral process resonates within the community. As the dust settles on this contentious election, the NDC stands poised to make its mark in Parliament, while the broader implications of the electoral violence continue to raise concerns regarding the integrity of the political landscape in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NDC Nabdam Communication Officer Condemns Allegations Made by Hon. Afenyo-Markin Against…
Tenga James Naismith Yidaan, the NDC Communication Officer for the Nabdam Constituency, has denounced claims made by Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, against fellow party members Hon. Malik Basintale and Hon. Mustapha Gbande. Labeling the accusations as false and shameful, Mr. Yidaan took the opportunity to address the public in a formal release. The statement began by extending congratulations to Hon. Awurabena Aubynn for her electoral victory in the Ablekuma North elections held the previous day. However, the tone quickly shifted as Yidaan expressed deep disappointment over Afenyo-Markin’s remarks. The Majority Leader had accused Basintale and Gbande of inciting violence against Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson at the Ablekuma Methodist polling station, a claim that Yidaan characterized as not only baseless but also reckless. Highlighting the truth of the situation, Yidaan noted that it was, in fact, Hon. Mustapha Gbande and Hon. Dr. Joseph Yamin who came to Koomson’s aid, transporting her to the hospital in their private vehicle, a heroic act executed not from obligation, but out of genuine concern. Yidaan criticized the logic of Afenyo-Markin’s claims, suggesting it was inconsistent to accuse individuals of violence moments before they acted as rescuers. Yidaan further called into question Afenyo-Markin’s integrity, recalling past incidents where Koomson had admitted to firing gunshots, thereby raising concerns about the hypocrisy displayed in his recent accusations. He urged the Majority Leader to reflect on the meanings of leadership—truth, fairness, and responsibility, rather than resorting to propaganda and personal attacks. The statement also underscored the positive strides made by the NDC amidst political tensions, emphasizing that, in yesterday’s elections, they had upheld peace and democratic values. Yidaan pointed to instances where key NDC figures had engaged with rival candidates to maintain a calm atmosphere, illustrating a commitment to the greater good of national welfare rather than partisan conflict. In closing, Yidaan issued a call to Afenyo-Markin: now that the truth has surfaced, will he retract and apologize for his unfounded allegations? With Ghanaians watching closely, the NDC awaits a response, hoping for a lesson in humility and decency from their political counterparts. Read the full statement below: RE: FALSE ALLEGATIONS BY HON. ALEXANDER AFENYO-MARKIN AGAINST HON. MALIK BASINTALE AND HON. MUSTAPHA GBANDE We use this opportunity to congratulate the Hon Awurabena Aubynn on her victory in the Ablekuma North elections that took place yesterday. This press statement, seeks to express our utmost disappointment and condemnation of the unfortunate and false statement made by the Majority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in which he wrongly accused the Deputy National Communications Officer of the NDC, Hon. Malik Basintale, and the Deputy National Organizer, Hon. Mustapha Gbande, of leading thugs to unleash violence on Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson at the Ablekuma Methodist polling station yesterday. This accusation is not only baseless but also shameful, particularly in light of the facts surrounding the incident. Contrary to Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s claims, it was Hon. Mustapha Gbande and Hon. Dr. Joseph Yamin who swiftly intervened and personally transported Hon. Hawa Koomson to the hospital using their private vehicle. This humanitarian gesture was made not under compulsion but upon the urgent call of Hon. Sammy Awuku, who recognized the integrity and compassion of these gentlemen. It defies logic and basic human reasoning to suggest that one could orchestrate an attack on a person and moments later become the very person to rescue them. This narrative is inconsistent, reckless, and clearly intended to score cheap political points. In any case, were we not in this country when Hon. Hawa Koomson herself admitted to firing gunshots and was linked to acts of violence that maimed and endangered the lives of political opponents? What did you, Hon. Afenyo-Markin, say about those excesses? Were those victims not Ghanaians? Or, in your eyes, were they less human? Check your hypocrisy level, sir, and be reminded that Ghanaians are becoming increasingly disillusioned and hurt by your style of politicking. A young man of your caliber should not stoop so low and kowtow to petty politics. Leadership demands truth, fairness, and responsibility—not propaganda and personal attacks. If you seek to be taken seriously as Majority Leader, you must rise above partisanship and learn from your predecessor, the venerable Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, whose leadership bore the marks of maturity and respect. And how could you, Hon. Afenyo-Markin, single out hardworking and responsible young men—who were out there serving Mother Ghana in a democratic process—for destruction through false allegations, when it is your regime that has reversed progress in nearly every sector of our national life? Yesterday was a test for the NDC, and we passed by upholding the peace and protecting our democracy. It was not for nothing that you saw the likes of the Chairman General shaking hands with your parliamentary candidate in the heat of a tense moment, simply to calm the atmosphere. You also witnessed Hon. Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, Hon. Edudzi Tamakloe, and Hon. Dr. Joseph Yamin granting interviews to assure Ghanaians that the NDC is committed to the welfare of all citizens—regardless of political affiliation. Hon. Afenyo-Markin, we urge you to learn from these noble gestures. Learn to appreciate leadership and decency, even when it comes from those who are not members of your party. Compare this moment to the shameful episodes of the Ayawaso West Wuogon, Assin North, and Ejisu by-elections, and ask yourself—who truly upholds the democratic values of this country? Now that the truth is out and it is clear that Hon. Basintale and Hon. Gbande were not involved in any form of violence—rather, they acted as peacemakers and rescuers—we ask: will you, Hon. Afenyo-Markin, retract and apologize for your irresponsible comments? Ghanaians are watching, and we are waiting. Signed, Tenga James Naismith Yidaan. Nabdam Communication Officer 12/07/2025 0208042270 Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen