I’m Not Worried About the Numbers, I’ve Learned From Bagbin’s Era NDC Opposition – Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says he is unbothered by the numerical disadvantage of his caucus in Parliament, insisting that his leadership will be defined by strategy, substance, and conviction rather than sheer numbers.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, Mr Afenyo-Markin dismissed suggestions that parliamentary influence depends solely on numbers, asserting that effective leadership is built on ideas and perseverance.

“I’m not in any way worried about the numbers. Like I indicated in my opening remarks in Parliament, it’s about substance,” he said.
“Before the final destination, you need to demonstrate your weight. And for me, that is what enriches democracy.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin said he draws inspiration from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under Alban Bagbin’s parliamentary leadership, recalling how the NDC rebuilt itself after losing power in 2000.

“The situation has happened before to the NDC. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Bagbin era and NDC opposition,” he noted.

He recounted how the NDC, emerging from its PNDC roots, faced severe unpopularity in the early 2000s but eventually regained credibility through discipline and resilience.

“Kufuor enjoyed huge goodwill. In 2001, nobody wanted to hear NDC. It was even difficult for them to appear on radio programmes. But they put themselves together in the midst of the confusion,” he said.
“By 2004, they had momentum on their side. Then by 2008, they surprised the nation.”

Reflecting on the governing New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) recent challenges, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that the government struggled with illegal mining, economic stabilisation, and public dissatisfaction.

“We were faced with huge challenges. We tried, but we were not too successful. Typical example, galamsey,” he admitted.

He also conceded that tough economic decisions — particularly financial haircuts and austerity measures — alienated segments of the middle class, pensioners, and business community, which traditionally supported the NPP.

“We lost the middle class, the businessmen. There were haircuts, pensioners, and educated people who ordinarily would vote NPP who got disappointed,” he said.

Despite the economic strain, Afenyo-Markin maintained that the NPP’s record in education and industrialisation remains unmatched.

“We introduced Free SHS, which benefited many families. We brought in 1D1F, a major boost for the private sector. It attracted a lot of companies that saw Ghana as a great destination for business,” he asserted.

He said while the government may have fallen short of some expectations, its achievements in human capital development and industrial transformation have laid a strong foundation for future progress.

The Minority Leader concluded that Ghana’s political journey is defined by cycles of growth, failure, and renewal — lessons that strengthen democratic institutions and leadership.

“As a politician, you should not be shy of your weakness. You come into government, you have your success story, and you have your failings,” he said.
“Eventually, all these gains, because of our inability to meet the higher expectations of the Ghanaian people, we lost out.”

He, however, expressed optimism that the NPP’s experience in adversity will sharpen its focus and prepare it for a stronger political comeback.

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