Photo: Alexander Afenyo Markin
I recently watched a clip from parliamentary proceedings in which Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin sought to wedge long-serving women in the Majority caucus against Prof. Ayensu, MP for Esikado-Ketan.
Though he often cloaks his commentary in humour, there’s a discernible undertone of political point-scoring—and frankly, veiled dragging.
Afenyo-Markin has made it a habit to downplay the role of backbenchers, projecting the notion that Parliament is only meaningful for those in leadership or holding ministerial posts. This view is not only condescending—it undermines the very essence of parliamentary democracy.
He seems to mock colleagues without appointments, as though the highest calling of an MP is to chase a ministerial portfolio. But let’s ask the real question: was Afenyo-Markin himself not in Parliament long before Samuel Abu Jinapor, Asenso Boakye, and others who were appointed cabinet ministers ahead of him?
Did that make him any less capable or intelligent?
Until he was handpicked—ironically, not for a Cabinet post but rather floated for positions like Board Chairman of Ghana Water Company or ECG—Afenyo-Markin was hardly seen as indispensable. One might say his current rise owes more to political scheming.
For someone who has served on the Appointments Committee, it’s baffling to hear him imply that ministerial selection should hinge on longevity or some sort of maternal or paternal symbolism. That is not the merit-based governance we preach.
Such remarks are not only tone-deaf—they’re dangerous. They reduce Parliament to a race for appointments, rather than a forum for meaningful representation.
It’s time to stop pretending this is all harmless banter. There’s politics in the performance, and it deserves scrutiny.
About The Author
