The Minority Caucus in Parliament Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has expressed strong displeasure over the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, referring to them as a “micro-minority.”
Afenyo-Markin, vehemently objected to the description, calling it derogatory and a violation of parliamentary norms.
According to him, the rules of Parliament recognize only “Majority” and “Minority,” and no such term as “micro-minority” exists. His caucus even contemplated staging a walkout in protest.
“Mr. Speaker, with respect, the rules of this House provide for the Majority and the Minority designations.
We do not have any micro-minority.
The Minority Caucus hereby protests the description given to us by the Speaker,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.
He further reminded the Speaker that it was the Minority that supported and seconded his election as Speaker of Parliament.
In response, Mr. Bagbin admitted that Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s objection was valid and assured the House that the term “micro-minority” would not be officially used in reference to the Minority.
However, this intervention did little to calm tensions, as the Minority Leader alleged that the Majority side had plotted to remove Mr. Bagbin, and it was the Minority that stood firm in support of his election.
the term “micro-minority” did not originate in Parliament. It was first used by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, during a public speech.
In his address, Asiedu Nketia mockingly referred to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament as a “micro-minority” due to their reduced numbers following the 2024 general elections.
The phrase has since gained traction in political discourse, particularly among members of the NDC, who use it to highlight the NPP’s diminished representation in Parliament.
Reacting to this The Majority Chief Whip, Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, accused the Minority of feigning loyalty to the Speaker, asserting that their support for him was politically motivated.
He also pointed out that Mr. Afenyo-Markin had used offensive language against the Speaker at NPP political rallies.
Mr. Frank Annoh Dompreh, the Minority Chief Whip, argued that the term “micro-minority” reflected the internal bickering within the NDC that led to Mr. Bagbin’s nomination as Speaker.
He cited former President John Dramani Mahama’s intervention to ensure Mr. Bagbin’s election despite opposition within his own party.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Murtala, MP for Tamale Central, also weighed in, accusing the Minority of trying to “cry more than the bereaved.”
He reminded the Speaker and the House of the NPP’s role in bringing the military into Parliament during the chaotic Speaker election in January 2021
I want to be known not as Mr. I want to be known as “Ɔsahen” Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin – Hon.Alexander kwamena Afenyo-Markin announces his new title in Parliament #news#news pic.twitter.com/st73Ao57TI
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) January 8, 2025
“We are the Minority, not Micro-minority”. Afenyo Markin 🤣🤣🤣🤣 this guy is hard pic.twitter.com/7BNykSxpYy
— CHARLOTTE NICOLE 🕊 (@charllycolegh) January 8, 2025
