A Political Sociologist with the Valley View University, Professor Martin Akotey, has lashed out at the posturing of the leader of the New Patriotic Party caucus in the conduct of government business in parliament.
He described the leadership of Alex Afenyo-Markin as “too combative”, lacking a posturing that seeks to negotiate with the opposing side of the house to reach a compromise on certain parliamentary issues.
Prof. Akotey described as “better” the conduct of proceedings at the chamber by former Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
He was reacting to recent happenings in parliament, including Speaker Alban Bagbin’s brouhaha with the Supreme Court.
“Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was doing a much better job than him [Afenyo-Markin]. Let’s not forget it’s the same individuals. I see the posturing of the leader now is too combative,” Prof. Akotey told David Akuetteh on Luv FM.
Parliament has adjourned sitting indefinitely following misunderstandings between the two caucuses on who is the Majority side, following the Speaker’s declaration of four seats vacant.
But this order was quashed by the Supreme Court after Mr. Afenyo-Markin filed an ex-parte motion to reverse the pronouncement by the Speaker.
Business on the floor has hit a stalemate following the recent incidents.
Prof. Akotey says the Effutu MP and the NPP caucus should not appear to have a stronger side in the house when in fact they only have a slight win over the NDC side.
“I am not happy about their posturing. As a leader, although you belong to a political party, you want things to be done especially for you in government. You want to get the support of the opposition to have programs work or succeed. Your posturing shouldn’t be antagonist but welcoming,” he said.
He noted that the NPP leader and his members must adopt strategies that would allow smooth transactions between the two sides.
“They should rather adopt the win-win situation because they don’t have the numbers to bulldoze through. There’s more work to be done behind the scenes. But if you assume a posture of, we are stronger than you are, then it wouldn’t work. I’d advise the NPP side to tone down a little bit to get the cooperation from the other side,” said Prof. Akotey.
