NPP Caucus Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticized Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to adjourn Parliament indefinitely, describing it as a move that “creates disorder” and undermines the integrity of Ghana’s democratic processes.
After Speaker Bagbin adjourned the House on Thursday, November 7, citing a lack of business due to the absence of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, Afenyo-Markin expressed frustration over what he characterized as an administrative oversight rather than negligence on the part of the NPP caucus.
He explained that the Clerk of Parliament failed to produce the necessary Order Paper, which outlines the items for discussion, making it impossible for the NPP MPs to engage meaningfully.
Afenyo-Markin argued that the failure to issue the Order Paper should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment from the NPP caucus. He noted that without this document, their absence was misinterpreted as a boycott rather than a procedural issue.
“What Mr. Speaker did today brings chaos and damages the reputation of our democracy,” he remarked, responding to claims by the minority caucus that the NPP neglected to attend a Business Committee meeting. Afenyo-Markin, who chairs the committee, asserted that an additional meeting was unnecessary, as the agenda had already been agreed upon.
He concluded, “I had directed that the Order Paper reflect all approved items. The failure to produce it disrupted proceedings, but this misstep should not be blamed on the NPP.”
