Our forefathers resolved issues through Courts, not chaos – Afenyo-Markin

Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, has asserted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) remains committed to maintaining peace in Ghana, vowing that the party will not allow any individual or group to disrupt the nation’s stability. He emphasized that despite the recent parliamentary tensions, the NPP continues to hold the majority in the legislative body.

Speaking to reporters from parliament house, Afenyo-Markin commented on the recent incidents in Parliament, which saw a walkout by NPP lawmakers during a heated session. “Our commitment to peace remains unshaken. We have always used civil means to raise our concerns. We believe in dialogue, in the judicial process, and in using legitimate channels to resolve issues,” he said, contrasting this approach with what he referred to as the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s frequent resort to disorder.

The tension in Parliament follows the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn a ruling by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin regarding four vacant seats, a situation that has escalated disagreements between the majority and minority parties.

Afenyo-Markin highlighted the NPP’s history of resolving conflicts through legal avenues, referencing key electoral disputes in the past. “Our forefathers used the judiciary to address electoral irregularities, and because of that, today, we have better ballot boxes, better ballot papers. We didn’t take to the streets to cause chaos; we used the courts. That is what sets us apart,” he remarked.

As the dust from the parliamentary walkout settles, Afenyo-Markin expressed his disappointment with the opposition NDC’s refusal to comply with the Supreme Court’s directives. “The Supreme Court has spoken, and we expect every party to respect the rule of law. The NDC’s unwillingness to adhere to the court’s orders shows their disregard for due process. It’s dangerous when a political party chooses to defy the very institutions that uphold our democracy,” he said.

He further called on the NDC to abandon what he termed “an unpredictable path” and to follow the proper channels if they have grievances. “We all want what’s best for this country. If the NDC truly has the interest of Ghanaians at heart, they must respect the decisions of our courts. They cannot pick and choose which laws to follow,” he urged.

Afenyo-Markin’s comments come at a time of heightened political tension as the 2024 elections approach. Both the NPP and NDC are gearing up for a contentious electoral season, and the recent parliamentary impasse has added fuel to the already charged atmosphere.

Despite the challenges, Afenyo-Markin maintained a hopeful tone, expressing confidence that cooler heads would prevail. “Ghana has always been a beacon of democracy in Africa. We’ve had our challenges, but we’ve always come out stronger. I trust that, in the end, we will all choose peace over chaos,” he concluded.

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