As rumours swirl that some members of New Patriotic Party (NPP) are seeking to oust Parliament of Ghana Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, his past record and current challenges offer insight into what’s at stake — not just for him, but for the party’s unity and parliamentary performance.What Afenyo-Markin has done since assuming Minority Leadership
- Since the NPP moved into opposition after the 2024 general elections, Afenyo-Markin has taken on a more aggressive role in holding the government of John Dramani Mahama to account. He has repeatedly criticized the administration on issues including economic management, illegal mining (galamsey), and what he describes as failures in social intervention programmes.
- In early 2025, he challenged a decision by the Speaker to suspend some minority MPs, arguing the Speaker had overstepped his authority — a stance showing he is ready to defend his caucus against actions he sees as undermining parliamentary fairness.
- He has warned repeatedly that internal disunity within the NPP minority caucus is the greatest threat to their effectiveness. In a caucus meeting on November 13, 2025, he cautioned MPs against infighting and urged them to prioritise unity over personal ambition.
These moves have cemented his image as a combative, outspoken leader — one willing to stand up for opposition rights and push back hard against policies he views as harmful to Ghanaians.
The challenges and criticism he faces — from within and without
- His attendance in a recent session of the ECOWAS Parliament — despite his name having been removed from Ghana’s official delegation — sparked a formal complaint for contempt of Parliament. The Majority Leader has asked that he be referred to the Privileges Committee for alleged defiance of a parliamentary resolution.
- The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has publicly criticized Afenyo-Markin’s style — saying that the Minority Leader has adopted a confrontational approach that does not resemble his own during his time as Minority Leader.
- Rumours of internal attempts to remove him from leadership have gained traction, following commentary by veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt, who claimed some NPP MPs are unhappy with his leadership.
Even though an ally — opposition MP Patrick Yaw Boamah — publicly dismissed ambitions to replace him and reaffirmed his support for Afenyo-Markin, the fact that such rumours exist signals possible fractures within the caucus.
Moreover, the NPP itself continues to grapple with the political fallout from its heavy losses in the 2024 elections. The party was left with fewer seats and now occupies the Minority side — a situation that puts pressure on its parliamentary strategy, leadership decisions, and internal cohesion.What the future might hold — for Afenyo-Markin and for the NPP
| Scenario | Possible Outcome |
|---|---|
| He retains leadership and reins in internal divisions | The NPP’s Minority side may regain focus and coordinate more effective opposition — improving scrutiny of the government, rebuilding unity ahead of 2028 elections. |
| He is removed and replaced | Could trigger further internal friction, leadership vacuum, or factionalism — undermining the NPP’s ability to hold government accountable. |
| A compromise emerges (e.g. deputy reshuffle, caucus restructuring) | Might stabilize internal rifts while preserving institutional memory and experience, helping the party reposition strategically. |
| External pressure (e.g. from controversies like the ECOWAS attendance) leads to legal/ethical difficulties | Could damage public perception of the NPP’s integrity and weaken its standing ahead of future elections. |
At a time when the NPP is rebuilding after a painful electoral setback, leadership stability and cohesion are critical. Afenyo-Markin’s aggressive posture and vocal criticisms may energize parts of the party base, but they also risk alienating moderate voices and attracting institutional pushback. If the NPP wants to recover and position itself as a credible alternative, it will need to balance bold opposition with internal discipline — and that means resolving leadership tensions quickly and decisively.
Final thoughts
Alexander Afenyo-Markin remains a central figure in Ghana’s current political landscape. His performance as Minority Leader — combative, vocal, sometimes controversial — reflects the challenges and pressures of leading an opposition caucus in difficult times.
But the rumours of internal attempts to replace him — and concerns about disunity and discipline — show that the road ahead won’t be smooth. For the NPP to remain a potent force in Parliament, the party must address its divisions, clarify its strategic direction, and decide soon whether Afenyo-Markin is the man to lead them forward.
Feature by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson