The National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has confirmed Alexander Afenyo-Markin as the new Majority Leader after an emergency meeting on Friday (23 February).
This is after Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stepped down from his role as leader of the House on Wednesday (21 February).
Henry Nana Boakye, the national organiser of the NPP, told the media after the National Council meeting that the party had written to Parliament to inform it of the change.
“This is an important work for us but his [Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu] long service must be celebrated, his commitment must be celebrated, his dedication is widely accepted by all.”
Alban Bagbin’s interpretation of Order 6 of the Standing Orders of Parliament (2024) is applied in this procedure.
The Speaker’s interpretation has clarified that while parliamentary caucuses play a pivotal role in leadership selection, the involvement of political parties in this process cannot be sidelined, ensuring a balance between internal party democracy and parliamentary norms.
“So this morning’s meeting was for the approval of the nominations we received and it was a consensus between the party and the members of parliament, so I can confirm from today’s emergency national council meeting that Alexander Afenyo Markin is now the majority leader,” Boakye said.
Subsequently, Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa, is the Deputy Majority Leader, and Alex Tetteh Djornobuah is also the second deputy whip.