Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has assured newly appointed Majority Leader James Agalga of his willingness to work with him, but cautioned against any attempt to undermine or infiltrate the Minority Caucus.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, August 27, following Mr Agalga’s assumption of office, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would approach the new Majority Leader with cooperation rather than confrontation.
He explained that the Minority’s role was not simply to oppose the government but to provide alternative perspectives and scrutinise decisions to help secure better outcomes for the country.
“I am saying that you can find in me a friend. My job is not to obstruct you. My job is to offer a different lens to things you may not see,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, however, drew a line between constructive collaboration and attempts to weaken the Minority Caucus, warning Mr Agalga against interfering with the cohesion of his side of the House.
“But please, James, as you come, don’t attempt to infiltrate my back,” he added.
Mr Agalga formally assumed the Majority Leader position after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communicated changes to the leadership of its Parliamentary Caucus to Speaker Alban Bagbin.
The leadership change followed the nomination of former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Mr Agalga now leads the NDC Parliamentary Caucus, while Mr Afenyo-Markin remains Minority Leader.
The exchange between the two leaders sets the tone for their working relationship in Parliament, with Mr Afenyo-Markin signalling his readiness to cooperate while insisting that the independence and unity of the Minority Caucus must be protected.
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