Joseph Osei-Owusu
The outgoing First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has voiced his support for Alexander Afenyo-Markin to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in the Ninth Parliament.
Mr. Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, emphasised the importance of experience, continuity, and a combative approach as the party transitions into a Minority role.
“This is my view, and nobody has asked me to do anything for the Ninth Parliament,” he clarified, and added, “But as a four-term member who has worked in the House, I strongly believe in longevity and experience.”
Drawing on his observations from past parliamentary leadership, Mr. Osei-Owusu underscored the role of institutional memory in effective leadership, referencing the former Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
“When Kyei was the Minority Leader and Majority Leader, he stood up very clearly. But it did not happen by accident. He started as a Chief Whip and grew up to become a leader. The longevity brings experience and clarity,” he noted.
Joe Wise argued that Mr. Afenyo-Markin is uniquely positioned to lead the NPP Minority due to his experience as Majority Leader.
“He started. There’s nobody who has had that experience before him. The only person who has had that experience is Honourable Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, and he is leaving Parliament. Afenyo-Markin is now the only person who has some experience which will be useful going forward,” he said.
The First Deputy Speaker stressed the need for a leadership style that is both assertive and resilient, as the NPP prepares to navigate its new role in opposition.
“Where we are now, we need to be combative. We can never influence decisions. At best, we get 91 MPs, and looking at all that is going, we cannot change any decision, but our voices must be very loudly heard in and out of the chamber,” he stated.
“What is required is somebody who is strong, hot-headed, and willing to stand the heat,” he added, pointing out that Mr. Afenyo-Markin is the right person to lead the caucus in this critical period.
Joe Wise’s endorsement of Afenyo-Markin is seen by political observers as offering a compelling perspective on the leadership debate within the NPP.
With the Ninth Parliament set to present significant challenges for the party due to the numbers of the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, some of the NPP MPs said they look forward to how this call by the First Deputy Speaker is likely to resonate among party members as they deliberate on the way forward.
The final decision on who will lead the NPP Minority will be taken by the party’s national council.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who has served as a Deputy Majority Leader and currently the Majority Leader, is seen as a capable candidate to navigate these turbulent waters.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House