The Speaker of Parliament is a leading member of NDC, his job is to protect his party – Afenyo-Markin
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has justified the New Patriotic Party’s frequent use of press conferences as a key communication tool while in opposition.
He said press briefings are necessary for the Minority to present its concerns to the public, especially given the limitations they face in Parliament.
Responding to criticism that the Minority holds too many press conferences, Afenyo-Markin explained that parliamentary procedures often make it difficult for the Minority to consistently raise issues on the floor, forcing them to use other platforms to draw attention to national matters.
“Well, in opposition, you have your various tools. Once those tools are being deployed within the confines of the practices, the rules and conventions, I think it is what it is. You see, we are 87.
“The Speaker of Parliament is a senior and a leading member of the NDC and sitting there, his job is to protect his party and his government,” he said on the GTV Breakfast Show on Friday, January 30, 2026.
He noted that the NDC’s large majority in Parliament makes it difficult for the Minority to initiate debates or raise key issues.
“You have the Majority – 189. Now, bear in mind that any access we seek on the House floor must go through the Speaker. So, if you don’t use some other means to bring to the fore the issues you hold so dear to yourself, you may be found wanting,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin cited parliamentary procedures to support his argument, explaining that motions and questions submitted by Minority MPs require approval and scheduling, which can be affected by how comfortable the government is with the issues.
“I’ll give you an instance. Look, if you file a motion, the Speaker must approve. If he doesn’t approve the motion, you can’t even take it. If you file a question, the question would have to be approved and the question must be programmed. If the government is so uncomfortable with it, there’s a way. I’ve been a Majority Leader before. I know some of the strategies,” he explained.
He added that his past experience as Majority Leader helps him understand how Parliament works and why such tactics are used.
“And when Ayariga is deploying it, I don’t really complain. The Speaker himself has been a Minority Leader, Majority Leader before so when he is deploying some of those skills to frustrate me, I understand. … So, sitting there, you don’t expect me to wait for spoon-feeding opportunities. I have to find means of getting critical issues out there,” he said.
The Effutu MP stressed that press conferences remain a lawful and democratic means for the Minority to engage the public and hold the government accountable.
“So, if my critics think that too many press conferences (sic), these are democratic bona fides. We shouldn’t exercise them to the extent that we are acting lawful? And bear in mind, one thing very unique about us is that we don’t go personal,” he said.
He concluded by saying the NPP Minority focuses on issues rather than personal attacks.
“We raise the issues and I think we should be given credit for that. This NPP Minority, we always focus on the issues and deal with them. We don’t go attacking personalities and all that.”…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>