Tensions flared in Ghana’s Parliament as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson sparred over issues of lawlessness, political violence, and national security.
During parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, January 21, Mr. Afenyo-Markin criticised the government for its perceived silence on rising incidents of violence, including alleged thuggery that disrupted an Electoral Commission process in Ablekuma North. He called for urgent intervention, urging the government to establish a bipartisan parliamentary committee to investigate the incidents.
“It must never be said that this country still tolerates lawlessness and violence,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said. He described the Ablekuma North incident, where thugs reportedly invaded the Electoral Commission office, as a “black spot” on Ghana’s democratic record.
The Minority Leader also highlighted the violent clashes in Obuasi, where nine small-scale miners lost their lives, describing the situation as unacceptable and damaging to investor confidence in Ghana’s business environment.
“AngloGold Ashanti is a major investment contributing to our economic growth. What happened there is very unfortunate, and this Parliament must act to protect the business community,” he said.
However, Dr. Ato Forson, in his response, refuted claims that the government had been unresponsive. He noted that President John Dramani Mahama had already ordered a full-scale investigation into the Obuasi killings and assured the House that the government was committed to addressing the issues.
“The government is already in motion,” Dr. Forson said. “We do not subscribe to violence, and no one should create the impression that there is an upsurge of political violence in Ghana.”
Dr. Forson also criticised the Minority Leader for his absence at the Business Committee meeting, where such matters could have been tabled for discussion.
“Mr. Speaker, the Minority Leader was visibly absent at the meeting. If these issues were of concern, they should have been raised through the proper channels,” Dr. Forson stated. He urged collaboration between the two sides, emphasising the importance of working together to resolve national issues.
