A friend once put it, “Some call me Le-opard, Some call me Leopard; and yet others simply call me Osebo!”.
Going by this saying, many Ghanaians across the political divide look at Osahene Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin with different spectacles or goggles, depending upon the very political angle he/she is coming from.
In this vein, whereas some see him as “Talkative”, some see him as “rabble rouser”, some as “too known”, whilst others simply admire him to the marrow!
Be it as it may, that is Osahene Afenyo-Markin for you, doing his legitimate job as Opposition Leader in Parliament.
By this description, it does not necessarily mean that he opposes anything coming from government.
For those of us who have been in Parliament for some time now, we know that it is the duty of the Opposition party in Parliament to put the Government on its feet via critiques on certain policies Government carries out.
What is more, now that we have a Super Majority and a Minor Minority in Parliament, we need someone, so strong as the Osahene, who can speak for 10 people to lead the Minority in Parliament.
And that is exactly what is expected of him, and, the very thing he is doing. So why begrudge him?
J.H Mensah of our time:
It is not my intention to bore or bombard anybody with my so-called experience in Parliament by way of this write-up.
All the same, “Experience, they say, is the best teacher!”
I am, however, privileged to have met the legendary J.H. Mensah in Parliament in 1996 when he happened to be the Leader of the Minority or Opposition then.
To say that J.H. was a walking Encyclopedia is an understatement.
And, this broad knowledge he brought on board in his debate in Parliament, thus proving to be irrepressible, irresistible, undaunted, fearless, watchful and attentive, paying attention to the minutest details on all documents placed before him.
His debating skills were unmatched, as he would not give in that easily, standing firm, proving that he is unpushable.
These treats, I find in Osahene Alexander Kwame Aferyoh Markin.
Sadly enough, since many Ghanaians have not been privy to facts, and having been that a political, they see every move by Afenyo as offensive! Eeii bei!
The Legendary J.H. Mensah, with his huge knowledge, was able, with his equally Minor Minority, to hold the Great Majority then, boot-by-boot, or in most cases to ransom!
History Repeating Itself?
Either by coincidence, design, plan or share repetition of history, Afenyo’s Minority is nearly same as that of JH Mensah then.
J.H. Mensah had a woman, Mrs Gladys Asmah as Deputy Minority Leader.
In the same vein, Osahene Afenyo-Markin has a woman, Hon Patricia Appiagyei as his Deputy. But in both cases leadership is strong.
Walk In Afenyo-Markin
Unlike the Legendary J.H. Mensah, who worked with all Civilian governments from Nkrumah, Afenyo-Markin came to the political arena from Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s reign.
But his knowledge, don’t go there! his young age notwithstanding.
It is against this background that he is equally capable and able to hold the Super Majority to ransome in most cases.
Being that fearless, undaunted and irrepressible, Afenyo-Markin can speak for more than 10 people (MP’s).
Changing Him As Minority Leader?
When rumour became ripe that the Opposition NPP was going to change him as Minority Leader in Parliament, some of us, having studied him closely, said in our hearts “This will be an unpardonable mistake on the part of Minute Minority”.
Thank God he has not been changed or replaced yet.
Anyway, the choice is theirs! By the way, who changes a winning team?
Gratuitous Advice
Afenyoh-Markin, like the legendary J.H. Mensah, is not only an asset, but knowledgeable and a walking encyclopeadia!
Keep It Up, Keep Going! Though some will demoralize, demonize and sabotage you, keep going, for your admirers far surpass your foes and critics.
By S. O. Ankamah
