Minority Leader rallies NPP, says party drawing lessons from NDC’s past comeback

By Eugene Davis

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has assured supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the party is learning from the past experiences of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as it works toward a strong political revival after its 2024 electoral defeat.

He explained that the recent Akwatia by-election setback, which reduced the NPP’s parliamentary representation from 88 to 87 seats, should not be seen merely as a loss but as a strategic reminder that political setbacks can be transformed into opportunities for resurgence.

Drawing on history, the Effutu lawmaker pointed to the NDC’s journey after its defeat in the 2000 general elections. Despite losing further ground in early by-elections, the NDC reorganized, secured majority wins in subsequent by-elections, and ultimately regained power in 2008.

According to Afenyo-Markin, the NPP is determined to follow a similar path of reorganization, renewal, and resilience to reclaim the confidence of the Ghanaian electorate in the years ahead.

“The NPP is going through turbulent times, but when there is a history of precedence, you can only be inspired to work harder,” Afenyo-Markin said.

He made these remarks on Thursday, September 11, 2025, during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, by the UK Minister for International Development, Baroness Chapman.

The Minority Leader further stressed the need for greater international support to strengthen Ghana’s Parliament, particularly in building the capacity of lawmakers to perform their oversight functions effectively. He also urged political actors to refrain from excesses that often accompany transitions of power and called for stronger protection of human rights.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin also commended Speaker Bagbin for what he described as his exemplary leadership in Ghana’s parliamentary history.