“I won’t be the first Minority Leader to suffer attacks” – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader of Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin has declared his readiness to endure political attacks that accompany his role, affirming that he won't be the first to face such pressure. Speaking on JoyNews' The Probe, the Effutu MP acknowledged the challenges associated with leading the Minority Caucus and pledged his commitment to fulfilling his duties. "Look, I won't be the first minority leader to suffer attacks," Afenyo-Markin stated.

He pointed out that political pressure and legal challenges are commonplace among opposition leaders, drawing attention to the previous experience of Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader. Afenyo-Markin highlighted that Dr Forson had faced criminal proceedings while serving as Minority Leader under a previous administration but continued to carry out his parliamentary obligations.

He emphasized that even opposition leaders in other countries have been subjected to such consequences during their duties.

The Minority Leader's remarks came following a public disagreement with Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) CEO Sammy Gyamfi, who accused him of making false claims about GoldBod and its operations. Afenyo-Markin had initially threatened to seek legal recourse against the allegations, including those labeling him as an "extortionist." However, when questioned about whether he would take Gyamfi to court, he opted for a more measured response, stating he would not allow emotions to influence his actions.

"I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don’t rush. In the Bible, Jesus was accused of wild allegations. He kept quiet and watched them. He could have done anything," Afenyo-Markin remarked.

He pointed out that Ghanaians expected maturity from him as Minority Leader and emphasized that he would not allow personal attacks to divert his attention from his responsibilities. "If I would be carried away with emotions, I would fail. It’s not an emotional game. It’s not a game that somebody attacks you, you should also react.

No, you won’t get it," he said. Afenyo-Markin reiterated that the Minority would persist in focusing on issues concerning the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and reported losses associated with it. "We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion," he stated, describing the matter as a national issue rather than a partisan campaign against the government.

The Minority Leader acknowledged the gravity of his position and expressed his preparedness to face any challenges it entails. "So, I’m very clear in my mind. The very day I took this job, I knew the weight of it. Everything is on me. I’m ready to live up to the task. I rely on my God, and I thank the party for the support," Afenyo-Markin declared.

He also urged for the planned parliamentary hearing into the GoldBod losses to be broadcast live, arguing that the public deserved to witness the proceedings. "But I pray for a live broadcast of the hearing. We expect that once the motion is carried, there will be a full public hearing of these GoldBod losses," he concluded.