Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has stated that serving in opposition is both a privilege and a burden that demands integrity, hard work, and a deep sense of patriotism.
The Minority, he said, is charged with a responsibility to strengthen Ghana’s democracy from the side of the opposition, and to do so with integrity, dedication, and love of country.
Addressing a Pre-Opening Workshop on Saturday ahead of Parliament’s resumption for the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament on Tuesday, Afenyo-Markin called on members of the Minority Caucus to embrace unity, discipline, and national responsibility.
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He reminded his colleagues that the Minority’s role is not to frustrate government business but to ensure accountability and better governance.
The Minority, he said, does not oppose for opposition’s sake, but opposes when it must, and proposes whenever it can because their ultimate loyalty is to Ghana and to the principles of good governance.
He stressed that the measure of a true democracy lies in the strength of those who serve as its conscience.
“If the Majority provides the muscle of governance, then the Minority must be the backbone — strong and unbending in our commitment to accountability, justice, and the national interest, he said.”
He urged MPs to show up early for sittings, study every bill, listen to constituents, and exercise restraint and respect in debate, adding that through discipline, the Minority would demonstrate readiness for the hard, unsung work of public service.
Speaking on unity in the Cacusu, Hon. Afenyo-Markin noted that MPs come from different regions, tribes, and backgrounds, and may not agree on every tactic, and yet are bound together by the mission to serve the people and uphold the Constitution.
He reminded members of their oath of loyalty to the Ghanaian people, noting that such loyalty must come before all else.
“We must be loyal to the truth, even when it is inconvenient; loyal to our constituents, even when they demand difficult changes; and loyal to the national interest, especially when partisan temptations beckon.”
He charged the caucus to lead by example, showing humility and honesty in all their actions.
“We may sit across the aisle from the Majority, but our leadership is defined by what we do. Let us lead in ideas and action — by offering solutions, fighting corruption, and advancing reforms that strengthen governance.”
He encouraged constructive engagement not only with the public but also with the Majority side in Parliament.
The Minority Leader urged members to let national responsibility guide every decision and be fair-minded — supporting policies that benefit the country and opposing those that do not.
“Someday, future generations will look back on this Ninth Parliament and ask: Did we act only as politicians, or did we act as patriots? Let us answer that we chose what was right for Ghana, even when it was hard.”
Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the challenges of opposition work, describing it as long and often thankless, but underscored its vital role in safeguarding democracy.
“We serve as the eyes, ears, and voice of millions who might otherwise go unheard. In doing so, we strengthen the government, because a government kept on its toes serves the people better.”
“Let us show the discipline to do what is necessary, embody loyalty to our democratic ideals, and lead with open hearts. Together, we will prove that opposition is a strength that keeps the nation on course,” he added.