Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has assured the newly appointed Majority Leader, James Agalga, of his cooperation in Parliament. He, however, made it clear that his ultimate political objective is to transform the Minority Caucus into the Majority.
Afenyo-Markin made the remarks on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, August 27, 2026, following Agalga’s formal assumption of the Majority Leader position.
The Minority Leader said he would not seek to obstruct Agalga in the discharge of his responsibilities but would provide alternative perspectives and scrutinise government business.
Also read: Newly-elected Assemblies of God Ghana leaders pay courtesy call on President Mahama
“I am saying that you can find in me a friend. My job is not to obstruct you. My job is to offer a different lens to things you may not see,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin also pledged to approach parliamentary debates with extensive research, stressing that the Minority’s role is to scrutinise government decisions and present alternative policy positions.
“I can promise you a well-researched dossier for all my debates. That I can promise you,” he added.
He said his approach would be based on constructive parliamentary engagement rather than obstruction, while maintaining the Minority Caucus’ responsibility to hold the government accountable.
Despite his conciliatory message to the new Majority Leader, Afenyo-Markin stressed that cooperation in Parliament would not undermine the broader political objective of the Minority Caucus.
He said his central responsibility is to strengthen the Minority and work towards securing a parliamentary majority.
The Minority Leader, however, cautioned Agalga against any attempts to weaken or infiltrate the Minority Caucus as he begins his tenure as Majority Leader.
James Agalga formally assumed the position of Majority Leader following a communication from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announcing changes to the leadership of the NDC Parliamentary Caucus.
The changes followed the nomination of former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Agalga’s assumption of the position marks a new phase in the leadership of the Majority Caucus, while Afenyo-Markin’s comments signal his intention to combine cooperation in parliamentary business with a firm opposition strategy ahead of the next general election.