Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, opposed a motion to adjourn Parliament on Friday, arguing that lawmakers should prioritize debate on what he described as a critical national issue involving the mass dismissal of public sector workers.
The disagreement emerged after the Deputy Majority Leader, Rickett Hagan, moved a motion for the House to adjourn, citing the need for Members of Parliament to return to their constituencies in the wake of recent flooding incidents affecting parts of the country.
The Minority leader, however, questioned the justification for the adjournment, insisting that Parliament had more pressing matters requiring immediate attention.
“Why didn’t he make this application on Tuesday or Wednesday if members needed to be in their constituencies? Parliament cannot continue to suspend its business whenever it suits the Majority,” he argued.
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Afenyo-Markin accused the Majority side of failing to build consensus before introducing the adjournment motion, describing the approach as inconsistent with parliamentary practice.
His objection was based on Motion 53 on the Order Paper, which seeks a review of a parliamentary ruling relating to a private member’s motion on the dismissal of workers employed under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
According to him, the motion was first moved and seconded in March 2025 but has remained unresolved for more than a year despite its significance.
He maintained that the matter goes beyond partisan politics and raises serious national security concerns due to the impact on thousands of affected workers and their families.
“The youth of this country want Parliament to address this concern. These are breadwinners with families and children. Parliament cannot continue to ignore such an important issue,” he stated.
The Minority Leader argued that Parliament should be seen as taking an active role in addressing unemployment and protecting workers from what he described as politically motivated dismissals during governmental transitions.
First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who presided over the House, reminded members that discussions on the adjournment motion had been considered during a leadership conclave and that an understanding had been reached regarding the day’s business.
Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the explanation but maintained that he had expected arrangements to be made to allow the motion to be considered before the House adjourned.
Despite the Minority Leader’s reservations, the motion for adjournment was eventually moved, seconded, and put to a voice vote.
The House subsequently approved the motion and adjourned sitting until Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 12 noon.