Is the NPP Minority Leadership in Turmoil? A Deep Dive into the Calls for Afenyo-Markin's Removal
The future of Alexander Afenyo-Markin as Minority Leader in Ghana's Parliament has become a hotly debated topic within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). But here's where it gets controversial: while some voices, like presidential hopeful Kennedy Agyapong, are openly calling for his removal, prominent party figure Gabby Otchere-Darko claims he's heard no such whispers.
In a recent interview on Asaasepa, Otchere-Darko, a seasoned legal practitioner and NPP stalwart, expressed confidence in the Minority's current strength and performance. He highlighted their unity over the past year and pointed to a recent sighting of Afenyo-Markin alongside NPP presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a sign of party cohesion.
“I haven’t heard calls for Afenyo-Markin's removal,” Otchere-Darko stated, “but I believe the Minority has performed admirably, holding the party together during a challenging period. I’m confident the party will remain stable in its decision-making.”
This stance directly contradicts Agyapong's assertions. Agyapong, in a December 2025 UTV interview, claimed internal power struggles are fueling criticism of Afenyo-Markin's leadership. He alleges that some within the party, particularly from the Eastern and Ashanti Regions, are vying for the Minority Leader position. Agyapong even claims to have personally advised Afenyo-Markin to step down, arguing that his financial security negates the need to cling to the parliamentary role.
“He’s financially well-off,” Agyapong stated bluntly, “he should make way for those who are actively seeking the position.”
And this is the part most people miss: Agyapong's refusal to name those allegedly challenging Afenyo-Markin adds a layer of intrigue to the situation. His statement, “If it were in the olden days, I would have mentioned names...” leaves room for speculation and further fuels the debate.
Criticism of Afenyo-Markin's leadership style extends beyond Agyapong. Solomon Owusu, a Senior Communicator for the Movement for Change, has openly questioned his effectiveness, stating, “If the NPP has a weak leader like Afenyo-Markin, it's no wonder the party struggles.”
The calls for Afenyo-Markin's removal raise important questions about the NPP's internal dynamics and the future direction of the party. Are these calls genuine concerns about leadership or simply power plays within the party? Does Afenyo-Markin's financial status make him less suited for the role, or is this a red herring?
The coming months will undoubtedly reveal more about the NPP's internal struggles and the fate of its Minority Leadership. One thing is certain: this debate is far from over, and the Ghanaian public will be watching closely.
What do you think? Should Afenyo-Markin step down, or is he the right leader for the NPP Minority? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
