Ghana’s Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has publicly stated his readiness to endure political pressure and attacks inherent to his position. He affirmed that he will not be the first Minority Leader to face such challenges.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s comments arise amidst a public dispute with GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, who has accused the Minority Leader of making false claims. The Minority Leader previously threatened legal action over these allegations, which he described as defamatory.
This situation unfolds as the Minority Caucus intensifies its scrutiny of the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) and reported losses. The Minority has filed a motion for a parliamentary hearing into these financial concerns, which they view as a matter of national interest.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, Mr. Afenyo-Markin referenced the experiences of previous opposition leaders. He cited current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced criminal proceedings while serving in opposition. “In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Was his situation not worse than mine?” Mr. Afenyo-Markin questioned, highlighting the historical context of political challenges. He also noted that opposition leaders in other countries have faced even more severe consequences, including arrests and frequent reporting to investigative agencies.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin had earlier threatened legal remedies over what he described as defamatory allegations, including comments portraying him as an “extortionist.” However, he has since adopted a more measured stance regarding legal action against Mr. Gyamfi. He indicated that he would not allow emotions to dictate his response, drawing a parallel to biblical narratives of enduring false accusations. “So if I would be carried away with emotions, I would fail. It’s not an emotional game,” he explained, emphasizing the need for maturity in his role.
The Minority Leader stressed that his focus, and that of the Minority Caucus, remains firmly on the reported losses associated with the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. He reiterated the Minority’s commitment to pursuing a motion for a parliamentary hearing on this issue. “We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion,” he confirmed.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin characterized the Minority’s actions as a “patriotic call” rather than a partisan campaign against the government. He emphasized that the concerns about GoldBod losses represent an important national issue. He also called for the planned parliamentary hearing into the reported GoldBod losses to be broadcast live. This, he argued, would allow the public to follow the proceedings transparently. “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 stated, underscoring the importance of public oversight.
He affirmed his understanding of the significant responsibilities attached to his position as Minority Leader. Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed his readiness to face any challenges that arise. He stated, “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.” This steadfast resolve indicates a commitment to his mandate despite the political pressures.