Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has emphasized the need for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be an active and vocal opposition, ensuring that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is held accountable.

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Speaking on The KSM Show, the Effutu legislator acknowledged that the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 elections was a major setback, but he insisted that the party must remain resilient and strategically position itself for the future.

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Reflecting on the election outcome, he admitted that the party had anticipated a stronger showing in Parliament, expecting to win between 100 and 130 seats. Instead, they managed only 61 seats—their worst parliamentary performance since 1997. Afenyo-Markin attributed this decline partly to a loss of support from the middle class and the youth, particularly due to dissatisfaction with the controversial Debt Exchange Program (DDE), which affected investors.

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“We expected to win, but we didn’t. Even in Parliament, our performance was not what we anticipated,” he conceded. “The middle class, which is our base, does investments, and they lost out. Many were angry with us and decided not to vote at all.”

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With the party yet to settle on a new leadership ahead of the 2028 elections, Afenyo-Markin believes Parliament remains the NPP’s strongest platform to stay relevant and engage with the electorate. He warned against complacency, stressing that the party must take an aggressive stance in opposition.

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“But for the time being, the party base must be active. We need to hold the feet of the NDC to the fire, and I have to play my role as the minority,” he stated firmly.

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Addressing concerns over his confrontational approach in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin defended his style, arguing that it is necessary to match the strength of the NDC’s parliamentary leadership. He noted that without a robust pushback, the NPP would struggle to counter the ruling party’s influence.

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As the NPP navigates its path in opposition, Afenyo-Markin remains committed to revitalizing the party’s base while ensuring that the government is held to account. He believes that maintaining a strong parliamentary presence is crucial in shaping the party’s future and rebuilding public confidence.

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