Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, has openly admitted that rejecting a reform proposal from Speaker Alban Bagbin was a serious mistake.
The proposal aimed to overhaul the parliamentary Standing Orders to create a more effective legislative system.
One of the main elements of the reform was a clause that would have allowed the Minority Leader to chair a critical parliamentary committee.
However, Afenyo-Markin and his party members firmly opposed this change at the time.
In a candid statement, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that their opposition to the reform was driven more by party politics than a genuine understanding of the potential benefits.
Reflecting on the situation, he expressed regret over their decision, noting that they had failed to see the long-term advantages the changes could have brought.
While the opposition feared that the reforms would alter Parliament’s power balance, Afenyo-Markin now admits that their rejection may have prevented greater opportunities for influence and more inclusive legislative practices.
This public admission of error comes at a time when calls for unity and cooperation within Parliament are gaining traction.
Analysts view Afenyo-Markin’s statement as a sign that both major parties might be able to collaborate on reforms that could benefit the country as a whole. The hope is that, with mutual support for necessary changes, Parliament can become more efficient and productive.
