Parliamentary proceedings took an interesting turn when Speaker Alban Bagbin firmly cut short the address of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during his response to former President John Mahama’s State of the Nation Address.

Following Mahama’s address, several Members of Parliament were given the floor to share their remarks. When it was Afenyo-Markin’s turn, he passionately presented his response but was soon interrupted by the Speaker, who reminded him that his time had elapsed.

“So, when Akufo-Addo was here on his last occasion, there was patience for Emmanuel Kofi Buah to speak. Mr. Speaker, there must be patience for the Minority side. I cannot be limited. Let me finish," Afenyo-Markin argued.

His plea, however, did not sway the Speaker, who intervened with finality, stating, “Your time is up, Honourable Minority Leader.”

With that, Afenyo-Markin’s address was brought to an end as the House moved on with proceedings.

The Minority Leader, began his remarks with a congratulatory message to the President, acknowledging that it was Mahama’s first address to Parliament since being re-elected.

However, he quickly shifted into a critical analysis of the address, citing contradictions and unfulfilled promises.

He referenced Mahama’s 2013 remarks about Ghana’s struggling economy, where the then-president had said, “the meat is now down to the bones” and accused him of repeating similar lamentations without demonstrating progress.

Further criticizing the President, Afenyo-Markin pointed out what he perceived as inconsistencies in governance, arguing that despite appointing fewer ministers, Mahama had significantly increased the number of presidential staffers.

His remarks drew jeers from the Majority side, who chanted “away, away” in an attempt to drown him out.