Mahama inviting NDC MPs to discuss welfare issues without NPP MPs discriminatory, we won't agree — Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over plans to meet exclusively with members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament, describing the move as discriminatory and inconsistent with the President's role as a leader for all Ghanaians.
The controversy emerged after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga informed Parliament of an upcoming engagement between President Mahama and members of the Majority caucus, a development that drew strong objections from the Minority side.
Addressing the House, Afenyo-Markin argued that matters concerning the welfare of Members of Parliament should be discussed on a bipartisan basis and not restricted to legislators from the governing party.
“We are aware that you are going to the presidency. Very discriminatory call. We have a 276-member chamber. The president, who is supposed to be a father for all, decided to only invite his side.
“We know the welfare issues that are going to be discussed. Mr Speaker, I don’t know whether you’ve been invited, but Mr Speaker, it is only the 180-something that the president has invited.
“When we have a 276-member house, and you say you’re going for a meeting, which meeting? This side of the house is part of the country, and the president is only inviting your side to take care of you.
“Mr Speaker, is that how we run a country? A president who is discriminatory? Mr Speaker, we protest this matter. The majority leader has failed parliament. How can you carry your side to the presidency? We will not agree. If the president is inviting parliament, all parliamentarians must be invited. And we will be there,” he said.
The Minority Leader further contended that under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, issues relating to parliamentary welfare were handled in a manner that benefited all Members of Parliament rather than a particular caucus.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected the allegations and assured the Minority that arrangements could be made for them to also meet the President.
“What is your problem? I will take you to President John Mahama. I will take you there. In fact, your entire caucus. We have heard your plea and your appeal. There’s enough space. He will receive you. He will discuss with you the welfare of NPP as a party. Because he’s a father for all. He’s the father of NDC. He’s the father of NPP,” he said.
Ayariga also disputed Afenyo-Markin's claim that former President Akufo-Addo had engaged both sides of Parliament on welfare matters during his tenure.
“Throughout the period that Akufo-Addo was president, there was not a single occasion when I or any of my colleagues were invited to meet with him to discuss welfare matters. Former President Akufo-Addo never invited us, then on this side of the House, to the Flagstaff House to discuss any welfare issues,” Ayariga said.
The exchange triggered lively debate in the chamber, with lawmakers expressing differing views on the Presidency's engagement with Parliament and whether discussions concerning parliamentary welfare should involve all Members of the House regardless of political affiliation.