The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has expressed support for Alexander Afenyo-Markin to continue leading the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus in the upcoming Parliament.

As he nears the end of his tenure, Osei-Owusu highlighted the significance of maintaining experienced leadership within Parliament.

His statement comes amid heightened competition among senior NPP MPs vying for the caucus leadership role ahead of the inauguration of the 9th Parliament next year.

He emphasized that keeping Afenyo-Markin, the Effutu MP, in the position would help foster cohesion within the caucus.

“I strongly believe in longevity and experience. From our own actions and inactions, you can see that when Kyei [Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, former Majority Leader] served as both Minority and Majority Leader, he stood out very clearly.

"But it didn't happen by accident. He started as a Chief Whip and grew up to become a leader. Longevity brings experience and clarity. I would not support any request for a new person to be brought into the picture," he said.

He further asserted that, apart from Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, no other member of the NPP has the requisite experience to match Afenyo-Markin’s ability to lead the caucus effectively.

“Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is leaving Parliament. He is the only person who has some experience which will be useful going forward. So I will not recommend any other person. My view is that, let Afenyo-Markin’s continue,” he stated.

The Deputy Speaker emphasized the vital role of the caucus leader in the next Parliament, particularly in light of the NPP's diminished representation.

He stressed the importance of having a capable and decisive leader who can advocate effectively for the caucus, despite the limitations imposed by their minority position.“Where we are now, we [NPP] need to be combative. We can never influence decisions. We cannot change any decision, but our voices must be very loudly heard in and out of the chamber, but it requires somebody who is strong and hot-headed and willing to stand the heat,” he added.