Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin strongly objected to Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin’s description of the Minority Caucus as a “micro minority” during a heated first session of the 9th Parliament on Wednesday.
Afenyo-Markin challenged the term, arguing that it was neither parliamentary nor reflective of the caucus’s role and contributions in the House.
The protest followed the Speaker’s statement that he was bound by law to protect the “micro-minority” caucus from the jostling of the Majority Caucus.
Micro minority leader
“Mr. Speaker, with respect, I shall respond to what you just said about your duty to protect the micro minority. We do not have any micro-minority. The rules of this House provide for the minority and the majority,” Afenyo-Markin declared, rising to his feet. “Mr. Speaker, describe us as the Minority. Simply said.”
The Minority Leader highlighted the caucus’s significant role in Speaker Bagbin’s election, emphasizing that their support was pivotal when the Majority Caucus allegedly conspired against his candidacy.
“Mr. Speaker, we seconded the motion for your election. When the so-called majority was conspiring against you, it was us, the minority of conscience, who stood by you. We protected you, Mr. Speaker. But for us, you wouldn’t be Speaker,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The confrontation escalated as Afenyo-Markin firmly warned the House against using the term. “Nobody should use that term in this House. It is not acceptable, Mr. Speaker. From today, that term must be banned from use in this chamber,” he insisted.
In response, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the Minority Leader’s protest and assured the House that the term “micro minority” would no longer be used officially to refer to the Minority Caucus in the chamber.
