Afenyo-Markin says criticism comes with Minority leadership role
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has dismissed suggestions that recent attacks against him are unusual, insisting that political scrutiny and pressure are part of the responsibilities that come with leading the opposition in Parliament.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, the Effutu MP said he accepted the role fully aware of the challenges attached to it and would not be distracted by personal attacks or controversies.
According to him, opposition leaders often face legal, political and public pressure while carrying out their duties, adding that Ghana’s political history offers several examples.
He pointed to Majority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced court proceedings while serving as Minority Leader, arguing that such experiences demonstrate the demanding nature of opposition leadership.
Afenyo-Markin also noted that in some countries, opposition leaders face even harsher treatment, including arrests and frequent appearances before investigative bodies.
His remarks come amid an ongoing dispute with GoldBod Chief Executive Sammy Gyamfi over allegations relating to the operations of the Ghana Gold Board and reported losses linked to the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
While the Minority Leader has previously threatened legal action over claims he considers defamatory, he indicated that he would approach the matter cautiously rather than react impulsively.
Instead, he said his priority remains Parliament’s planned scrutiny of the gold purchase programme and the concerns the Minority has raised over its management.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that the opposition’s demand for answers was motivated by accountability rather than partisan politics, describing the issue as one of national importance.
He further called for any parliamentary proceedings on the matter to be opened to the public through live broadcasts, arguing that Ghanaians should be able to follow discussions surrounding the reported losses.
The Minority Leader maintained that he remains focused on his parliamentary responsibilities and is prepared to withstand the pressures associated with leading the opposition caucus.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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