The statement by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, directed at Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, refers to a significant political moment in Ghana’s Parliament. In this instance, Afenyo-Markin criticized Speaker Bagbin, cautioning him not to adopt a “king or emperor” mentality in his role as Speaker. The comment was likely prompted by tensions or disagreements related to Bagbin’s handling of parliamentary proceedings or his leadership style. The Ghanaian Parliament, especially in recent years, has seen intense partisan politics. The two main political parties—NDC (National Democratic Congress) and NPP (New Patriotic Party)—have had strong, sometimes adversarial, positions on key national issues. Speaker Bagbin, a senior member of the NDC, has often been accused by members of the NPP of exhibiting bias in his role. Afenyo-Markin, being from the NPP, might have felt that Bagbin was overstepping or exhibiting a level of authority that seemed contrary to parliamentary norms. Alban Bagbin has been known for taking a strong stance as Speaker, asserting his authority in Parliament and making decisions that sometimes clash with the expectations of MPs from the ruling party (NPP). His leadership has been described as assertive, and at times, this has led to friction, especially when decisions or rulings are seen as favouring the opposition. The rivalry between the NDC and NPP has often played out in parliamentary procedures. Members of the ruling party may view the Speaker’s decisions as partisan, and these tensions can lead to remarks questioning his impartiality or approach. Public comments like Afenyo-Markin’s often attract attention not just from parliamentarians but from the wider public, as they shed light on the political climate in the country. The comment could be interpreted as part of ongoing political manoeuvring, with both parties seeking to secure leverage over the other in the lead-up to national elections or major legislative decisions.
In Ghanaian politics, especially with the current balance of power in Parliament (which is closely contested between the NPP and NDC), any perceived overreach by the Speaker could lead to accusations of undemocratic behaviour or authoritarianism. Afenyo-Markin’s comment reflects this dynamic and points to deeper issues of governance, leadership, and political rivalry in Ghana’s legislature. Afenyo-Markin’s statement underscores the contentious nature of the relationship between the Speaker and members of the ruling party, as well as the broader tensions within Ghanaian politics. The comment likely resonates with ongoing concerns about balance, fairness, and the role of the Speaker in maintaining order and neutrality in Parliament. On Monday, November 11, a hearing was held at the Supreme Court of Ghana to address a case involving vacant parliamentary seats. The plaintiffs, along with the Attorney-General, had presented arguments related to the status of these seats, which are crucial to maintaining the proper functioning of Parliament. It appears that the issue at hand might have involved disputes over the legitimacy or filling of vacant seats, possibly arising from by-elections or parliamentary processes.
Given the importance of this case and the fact that it touches on the balance of power in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin’s remarks were likely made about the broader political climate and the need for a fair and balanced approach in the legislative process, especially from the Speaker of Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin, as a member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), expressed concern about Speaker Bagbin’s leadership style, particularly the tendency to dismiss differing views. He emphasized the importance of tolerance in parliamentary leadership, noting that a speaker’s role is to facilitate dialogue and ensure that all voices within Parliament are heard, not just those from one side of the aisle.
His remark that the Speaker “should not see himself as a king or an emperor” pointed to what he perceives as Bagbin’s approach to leadership — one that might be seen as authoritarian or overly dominant. This is a criticism that often comes up in parliamentary settings where a speaker, depending on their political affiliation, may be accused of favouring one side of the political spectrum over the other.
The NPP and the NDC (National Democratic Congress), Ghana’s two dominant political parties, are frequently at odds in Parliament. Bagbin, who belongs to the NDC, has been accused by members of the NPP of being biased in favour of his party, especially when handling parliamentary procedures or in his rulings on contentious issues.
The Speaker is supposed to be a neutral figure, ensuring fairness and impartiality in parliamentary proceedings. However, when the Speaker is seen as leaning too much towards one party or dismissing concerns from the opposition, it can lead to significant friction. This is particularly true in a situation where the parliamentary numbers are very tight or when key decisions (such as those regarding vacant seats) have a direct impact on the balance of power.
Afenyo-Markin’s call for tolerance is an appeal for Bagbin to embrace a more inclusive and open-minded approach to leadership, where all MPs, regardless of party affiliation, feel that their views are respected and considered. In an environment where political tensions are high, especially with the ongoing legal cases over vacant seats, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect is essential for smooth parliamentary functioning.
Afenyo-Markin’s remarks reflect the challenges of governance in a highly polarized political environment. The Speaker of Parliament, as the arbiter of parliamentary rules and procedures, is expected to remain neutral, but as seen in this case, his perceived bias can create significant tensions. If a speaker is seen as not fairly representing the interests of all MPs, it can undermine the legitimacy of parliamentary decisions and the public’s confidence in the legislative process.
By making this public statement, Afenyo-Markin is likely signalling the NPP’s concerns over Bagbin’s conduct, while also trying to set a tone for greater inclusivity and fairness in the Parliament. It may also serve as a way of framing the upcoming legal and political battles in Parliament in a way that resonates with the broader public, particularly those who are wary of what they see as an overly powerful or biased Speaker.
Afenyo-Markin’s call for Speaker Bagbin to refrain from seeing himself as a “king or emperor” is rooted in the belief that parliamentary leadership should be balanced, fair, and open to different viewpoints. His comments, made outside the Supreme Court following the hearing on the case of the vacant seat, highlight the continuing tensions within Ghana’s political landscape and the challenges faced by parliamentary leadership in maintaining impartiality. Given the importance of the ongoing legal case, Afenyo-Markin’s remarks suggest that the NPP is keen to ensure that the Speaker respects the democratic processes and the proper functioning of Parliament.
