In a passionate address at the 9th edition of the Crystal Ball Series, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, voiced deep concerns about what he described as the systematic exclusion of the Minority caucus from important parliamentary delegations to the Pan-African Parliament and the ECOWAS Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin accused Parliament’s leadership of disregarding the established formula for forming such delegations, resulting in the Minority’s rightful seats being denied. “The Minority has two bonafide seats at the Pan-African Parliament. Instead of having two, strangely, we’re denied, and only one was given to us. Bypassing this formula, we’re told that we should take an observer status,” he lamented.
He noted that a similar scenario played out in the selection of members for the ECOWAS Parliament. Despite prior consensus at the Committee on Selection, the Majority unexpectedly moved to amend the agreed-upon formula, effectively sidelining the Minority. “The consequences of it are so unfortunate. As we speak, on all delegations, the minority has been denied because we have insisted on our rights. I pray that we can resolve this matter,” Afenyo-Markin urged.
Beyond representation in international delegations, the Minority Leader further alleged a deliberate effort within Parliament to stifle the voice of the Minority. He pointed out that several motions tabled by Minority members have been prevented from reaching the debate stage, even when formally advertised.
Afenyo-Markin cited the case of mass dismissals from state institutions as a prime example. “A typical example is the mass dismissal of Ghanaian workers when this party came into office. There was a letter from the Chief of Staff directing that the recruitment that took place after the election should be terminated. However, state agencies decided to go back to 2017/2018. People who have been in the employ of state-owned institutions, not just the civil service, since 2018 were sacked. Attempts to bring this matter to the public space remain frustrated.”
He explained that efforts to have this motion debated have repeatedly stalled. “The first was a preliminary objection by the majority leader, and when we filed an appeal, though the appeal motion was allowed, the debate is still in abeyance. The motion was moved, seconded, and one contributor was taken. It’s been eight months. It always appeared on the Order Paper. We are unable to take it. Why?” the Minority Leader questioned.
As Afenyo-Markin called for urgent intervention and respect for the Minority’s rights, his remarks have sparked conversations about fair representation and the need for consensus in Ghana’s parliamentary processes.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com