Alban Bagbin and Afenyo Markin
A moment of exchange unfolded in Parliament on Thursday, February 27, 2025, when Alban Bagbin, the Speaker cut short Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s response to President John Mahama’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), despite the latter’s protest.
Per parliamentary convention, both the Majority and Minority leaders are invited to give immediate remarks on the President’s address before a more detailed debate ensues.
Following Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s praise for the President’s “true state” presentation, it was the turn of Effutu MP Afenyo-Markin, who wasted no time in painting a contrasting picture.
Afenyo-Markin began his remarks with a congratulatory message to the President, acknowledging that it was Mahama’s first address to Parliament since being re-elected.
However, he quickly shifted into a critical analysis of the address, citing contradictions and unfulfilled promises.
He referenced Mahama’s 2013 remarks about Ghana’s struggling economy, where the then-president had said, “the meat is now down to the bones” and accused him of repeating similar lamentations without demonstrating progress.
Further criticizing the President, Afenyo-Markin pointed out what he perceived as inconsistencies in governance, arguing that despite appointing fewer ministers, Mahama had significantly increased the number of presidential staffers.
His remarks drew jeers from the Majority side, who chanted “away, away” in an attempt to drown him out.
As the atmosphere grew tense, Bagbin interjected, informing the Minority Leader that he had only one more minute to conclude his remarks. Afenyo-Markin, visibly dissatisfied, gestured in protest, sweeping a finger from left to right in defiance.
“So, when Akufo-Addo was here on his last occasion, there was patience for Emmanuel Kofi Buah to speak. Mr. Speaker, there must be patience for the Minority side. I cannot be limited. Let me finish,” he insisted.
However, his plea fell on deaf ears as Bagbin swiftly intervened again, this time with finality stating, “Your time is up, Honourable Minority Leader.”
AM/KA
You can also watch Godfred Dame’s full speech on legal case withdrawals below:
