Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has admitted that he embraces populism as part of his political strategy, insisting that it is necessary to mobilise public support, but rejected claims that he engages in obstructionist politics.
Speaking in an interview on Newsfile on Joy FM on Saturday, the Effutu MP said populism is an unavoidable element of political leadership.
“Populism, I would accept it. It’s part of politics. You must be populist to rally people behind you. A politician who has no populist blood in him cannot survive,” he stated. “But obstructionism, no. I am constructive.”
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Mr. Afenyo-Markin maintained that his approach in Parliament is rooted in dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation.
According to him, ministers across government acknowledge his constructive posture, especially in matters concerning the African Continental Free Trade Area and economic policy.
He indicated that he often engages ministers privately before raising issues publicly.
“Before I come out to make any statement, I engage them. I tell them, ‘Bro, this thing has come to my attention. What is your position?’ They explain, and I move on. It’s not personal,” he explained.
He cited his working relationship with former Majority Leader and current Finance Minister Ato Forson as an example of bipartisan cooperation built on mutual respect.
“When he was Minority Leader and I was Majority Leader, we agreed to keep our friendship and still do our job. And it worked,” he said.
Touching on internal party matters and leadership succession, the Minority Leader reaffirmed his loyalty to the New Patriotic Party and its flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He urged party members to unite behind Dr. Bawumia, describing him as a leader with a clear and forward-looking vision.
“If you love the party, that is our leader. Let’s all rally behind him. He has a clear vision for the country,” he said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also praised Dr. Bawumia’s long-standing advocacy for digitalisation, noting that many Ghanaians are only now beginning to appreciate its relevance.
“As a student of AI, I’m pursuing a programme that is AI-based. When I look at it now, I say, ‘Wow, this is what the man was talking about,’” he remarked.
He added that the vision of building a digitalised economy would gain wider acceptance as technological innovation becomes more central to national development.
Commitment to Party and Constituency
Responding to concerns that his national role may affect development in his constituency, Afenyo-Markin said he remains committed to balancing parliamentary leadership with local development responsibilities.
He stressed that his loyalty to the party and its leadership remains unwavering. “My loyalty is to him, to the party, and to his vision. That is my commitment,” he declared.