In the ebb and flow of Ghanaian parliamentary politics, there are moments that test more than political instincts — they test strategic clarity, courage, and loyalty to principles bigger than personal ambition.
One such moment is the ongoing conversation about the leadership of the Minority Caucus in Parliament.
At the center of that debate stands Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader — a figure whose role is now being scrutinized, challenged, and, at times, unfairly maligned. But let’s be crystal clear: removing him now would not only betray party unity — it could weaken the institutional strength of the NPP in Parliament at a time when cohesion matters most.
From the outset, Afenyo-Markin’s tenure as Minority Leader has been intense, shaped by a dramatic shift in political fortune for the NPP. After the party’s loss in the 2024 general elections, the NPP found itself in the minority — a new reality demanding a sharp, strategic, and combative approach in Parliament.
Against this backdrop, Afenyo-Markin, the MP for Effutu, was entrusted with steering the party’s legislative resistance and representing its parliamentary voice.
What followed was leadership in action — not passive rhetoric. Whether publicly condemning what his caucus saw as unconstitutional mass dismissals of workers or challenging judicial decisions perceived to undermine parliamentary democracy, Afenyo-Markin did not flinch from defending principle and party interest.
This isn’t a leader hiding behind procedural language — it’s a leader front and center in democratic confrontation when it mattered most.
Why Leadership Consistency Matters Now
Leadership in times of adversity reveals true character. Ghanaians — and importantly, NPP members — need a Minority Leader who can craft a coherent opposition strategy, unite disparate voices in Parliament, and boldly articulate the party’s policy alternatives. That consistency is precisely what Afenyo-Markin has delivered.
It’s worth underscoring: despite claims in some quarters about internal plots to oust him, key voices within the caucus — including influential MPs — have publicly dismissed that narrative, affirming unity and continuity under his leadership.
This matters enormously. Political parties are not successful when they are fragmented at the leadership apex, especially in the legislature. Replacing a Minority Leader midstream — particularly after a major election loss and during a delicate transition to opposition — risks a collapse of strategic momentum, confusion among rank-and-file MPs, and a weakened front against the majority.
Why Replacing Him Now Would Be Suicidal for the NPP
Labeling a leadership change now as suicidal for the party is not hyperbole — it’s strategic realism.
It undermines the message of party unity — the very foundation political competitors will test. Parliament is not merely a debate chamber; it’s a theater of public perception. Changing leadership in response to internal pressure signals disarray.
It rewards dissent and ambition over performance and loyalty. If internal challengers see that leadership can be shifted mid-parliament without a clear, structural reason, the caucus risks incentivizing factionalism. Politics isn’t just about winning points — it’s about maintaining disciplined, predictable, and credible opposition.
It weakens continuity at a moment when policy challenges are acute. Ghana’s legislature is tackling major issues — from public sector employment disputes to overseeing executive action and interpreting court rulings with constitutional implications. A change in leadership would disrupt ongoing strategies and hand the majority political advantage.
Removing Afenyo-Markin now would be political malpractice — ceding advantage to rivals and confusing the messaging of a party still reeling from electoral setbacks and eager to rebuild trust with citizens.
Politics often reduces public figures to caricatures — but that’s not what leadership is. Afenyo-Markin’s critics sometimes frame him as brash or overly confrontational. But this misses the deeper reality: leadership that defends parliamentary democracy tends to be forceful because the stakes are high.
For instance, when he publicly called attention to what he and his caucus saw as judiciary political bias affecting parliamentary representation, he was raising issues many argue speak to the core of democratic accountability — not just party interests.
He has also taken the party’s concerns to institutional forums and reminded the nation that Parliament must be more than a rubber stamp — it must be a guardian of constitutionalism and fairness, even in times of political tension. That’s not obstinacy — that’s stewardship.
The Bigger Picture: What Ghana Needs Now
Let’s expand the lens. Ghana is not just watching the NPP’s internal leadership choices — the world is watching how opposition leadership functions in a maturing democracy. The message sent about unity, resilience, and principled dissent matters far beyond party banners.
Maintaining Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader signals something deeper than political stability: it says the NPP can withstand challenge, debate internal differences respectfully, and hold firm to a strategic plan without capitulating to short-term pressures. That’s not just good for the party — it’s good for the country.
Some analysts have argued that the Minority Leader should be replaced to reflect broader regional representation or to satisfy internal ambitions. But political leadership is not a game of musical chairs — especially not in a Parliament that needs a steady hand and a clear voice.
Ghana’s democratic experiment thrives when its leaders are tested in adversity, not swapped out at the first sign of internal discomfort. Keeping Afenyo-Markin in place is not just a matter of loyalty — it’s recognition that strategic continuity, clarity of opposition voice, and unified leadership matter more than ephemeral political currents.
In the end, the question isn’t whether Alexander Afenyo-Markin is perfect. No politician is. But the real question is: Does replacing him now help or hurt the NPP’s ability to function effectively in Parliament and rebuild confidence with the Ghanaian public?
The answer has to be clear. Yes, there will always be calls for fresh faces and new leadership — that’s the nature of democratic discourse. But real political strategy is about knowing when to hold steady and when to change, and this moment calls for steadiness, not fracturing.
Retaining Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader is not a surrender to ego — it’s a bold affirmation that the NPP stands for disciplined, resilient, and principled leadership. It’s not just the best choice for the party — it’s the best choice for Ghana’s democratic stability and effective parliamentary opposition.
And in political times like these, that isn’t just smart — it’s indispensable.
The writer, Shadrach Assan, is the lead producer for Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem.
