Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader in Parliament, has issued a rallying call to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidates and members to put up a vigorous fight for victory in both the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
Speaking at the NPP manifesto launch on Sunday, August 18, Afenyo-Markin emphasized the importance of a united front within the party, particularly in the face of a challenging parliamentary situation. He noted that President Akufo-Addo’s administration has faced difficulties in Parliament due to the near-equal distribution of seats between the majority and the opposition. The Majority Leader urged all candidates to work diligently to prevent a repeat of this situation in the next term.
“Don’t give up, let us work together,” Afenyo-Markin implored the candidates. He acknowledged the efforts of current NPP parliamentarians, expressing gratitude for their resilience despite the tight parliamentary numbers. “We have a majority of one…But we have a few months ahead of us. I want to encourage you to please make yourself available to support the course of government. Let’s finish hard. There is a prize awaiting us,” he stated.
The Majority Leader also called for an end to internal disputes within the party, stressing the urgency of campaigning. “To all parliamentary candidates, let me plead with you enough of the reconciliation. Move on, fight hard, campaign day and night, go to every household. We don’t have time to settle disputes,” Afenyo-Markin advised. He urged the candidates to fight for the party with the same determination they would show in protecting a loved one, emphasizing the critical need for strong NPP representation in Parliament.
In his speech, Afenyo-Markin expressed confidence in Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the NPP flagbearer, despite attempts by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to portray him as arrogant. He drew a parallel to previous campaigns, where the NDC had similarly labeled President Akufo-Addo as arrogant, a tactic he claimed did not resonate with the electorate.
“We know you tagged Akufo-Addo also as arrogant, but it didn’t work. He is ready to transform Ghana with arrogance,” Afenyo-Markin remarked, urging the party to stay focused and committed as they approach the elections.
