Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, appears to have moderated his earlier stance regarding legal action over allegations levelled against him by Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi. Initially, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stated in a Facebook post that he would pursue legal remedies in response to what he termed defamatory claims, including being labelled as an “extortionist.”
However, less than 24 hours later, the Effutu MP struck a more restrained note when questioned about the prospect of taking Mr. Gyamfi to court. During an appearance on JoyNews’ The Probe on Sunday evening, August 23, Mr Afenyo-Markin refrained from confirming any intention to proceed with legal action, instead referencing the biblical example of Jesus Christ, who, he noted, remained silent in the face of serious accusations.
“I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don’t rush. In the Bible, Jesus was accused of wild allegations. He kept quiet and watched them. He could have done anything.” He said he was conscious of the expectations placed on him as Minority Leader and would not allow emotions to dictate his response to the attacks.
“But you see, when you are dealing with situations, the people of Ghana expect a certain level of maturity from me. The people of Ghana see that this is an accomplished businessman. He’s been in the space for some time. He’s leading a group. The tradition of the party NPP that I lead expects a certain level of conduct.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that he did not intend to be drawn into what he described as a political strategy aimed at distracting attention from the substantive issues surrounding the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). “So if I would be carried away with emotions, I would fail. It’s not an emotional game. It’s not a game that somebody attacks you, you should also react. No, you won’t get it.” “There is always a bait in politics, and don’t underestimate it. Opponents also have a strategy,” he added.
The Minority Leader suggested that the attacks against him could be part of an attempt to shift public attention away from questions over the reported losses associated with the DGPP and GoldBod’s role in the transactions.
“I was a majority leader. I know how government operates. I know how government can divert attention. So I’ve been there. Because the government must hold itself together, so it can be thrown in today’s social media. Let’s divert attention. Let’s stain the man.”
‘I won’t be the first Minority Leader to suffer attacks’
Mr Afenyo-Markin also sought to put the controversy in the broader context of the political pressures that come with serving as Minority Leader. He cited the experience of current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who faced criminal proceedings while serving in opposition.
“In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Was his not worse than my situation? Do you get what I mean?” He said he remained focused on the mandate given to him by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and would continue scrutinising the government despite the attacks.
“So, as for this game, I want to assure the party that the mandate they gave me, God willing, that mandate will be discharged. We will work hard. The people of Ghana expect us to do nothing less. They expect us as a minority to be forthright, to work hard, to hold the feet of government to the fire, we will do that.”
He acknowledged that political opponents were entitled to criticise him but warned against what he described as excessive and unacceptable language. “You know, we are in a political environment; people are free to oppose or disagree. But what the political environment cannot tolerate is the excesses there too. I have become aware of certain unacceptable language being put out there.”
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, he and members of the Minority Caucus had already taken appropriate steps over the comments but would not allow the controversy to derail their scrutiny of the government. “I believe that I’ve taken appropriate steps together with my colleagues in the caucus, and we don’t want to fall into any bait of diversion.”
He insisted that the Minority’s concerns over the DGPP and reported losses associated with it were a matter of national interest rather than a partisan political attack. “This is an important national issue. It is not a partisan call. It is a patriotic call being made by a vigilant minority, however few our numbers.”
Focus shifts back to GoldBod losses
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would remain focused on its planned parliamentary inquiry into the reported losses under the gold purchase programme. “We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion.” He said he was prepared for the personal attacks that could accompany his position as Minority Leader.
“Look, I won’t be the first minority leader to suffer attacks.” He recounted a conversation with a colleague in which they discussed the political risks faced by opposition leaders in other jurisdictions. “And I said, oh, sir, in other jurisdictions, minority leaders have been arrested. They are in jail. In other jurisdictions, minority leaders are made to report to investigative agencies all the time.”
He again referenced Dr Ato Forson’s experience under the previous government. “In any event, you remember, even my good friend, Ato Forson, was facing charges in court, and NDC appointed him minority leader. He was attending court two times, three times.” Mr Afenyo-Markin said he understood the responsibilities that came with his position and was prepared to face whatever challenges arose.
“So, I’m very clear on my mind. The very day I took this job, I knew the weight of it. Everything is on me. I’m ready to live up to the task. I rely on my God, and I thank the party for the support.” He said the immediate priority was to secure parliamentary approval for the Minority’s motion seeking an inquiry into the reported GoldBod losses.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo‑Markin has expressed hope that Parliament’s ad hoc committee will complete its work in time to inform deliberations on the 2027 Budget. “All other matters will be addressed. Tomorrow we resume, and we pray the motion is admitted. Once that is done, the committee can begin hearings during the recess so that by October, before the budget presentation, its report will be ready,” he stated.
Mr. Afenyo‑Markin emphasised that the committee’s findings should be available for public scrutiny, adding: “I hope by then the report will be ready, and once it is, the people of Ghana will see.” He further called for the hearings to be broadcast live, insisting that transparency is essential: “We expect that once the motion is carried, there will be a full public hearing of these GoldBod losses.”
His latest remarks mark a more measured stance compared to earlier declarations of pursuing legal remedies. Rather than pressing ahead with court action, he now appears focused on allowing parliamentary scrutiny to run its course while keeping attention on the examination of GoldBod transactions.
