Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has described the media as the “lifeblood of democracy” commending the Parliamentary Press Corps for their dedicated coverage of parliamentary proceedings during the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.
At the closing ceremony of the meeting on Friday, Mr Afenyo-Markin, also the NPP Member of Parliament for Effutu, praised the journalists for their professionalism and commitment, noting that their work ensured transparency and kept citizens informed about the activities of the legislature.
He urged Members of Parliament to use the recess period to attend to their health, stressing that “knowing your health condition is better in order to treat it.”
The Minority Leader underscored the importance of wellness for effective service delivery, encouraging his colleagues to undergo medical check-ups before the next session resumed.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also expressed concern over alleged plans to remove him and being summoned before the Privileges Committee for purportedly disobeying a parliamentary resolution on Ghana’s representation at the ECOWAS Parliament.
He maintained that he currently served as the Third Deputy Speaker at the ECOWAS Parliament, with his tenure running until 2028, and insisted that “no one can remove me.”
The Minority Leader’s remarks capped the end of the Third Meeting of the First Session, which saw extensive debates and legislative business before Parliament adjourned for the Christmas recess.
Parliament adjourned on Friday, December 19, 2025 sine die the Third Meeting of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament after 35 sittings held within nine weeks.
The adjournment brings to a close week of deliberations, debates, and legislative business that saw Members of Parliament (MPs) consider a wide range of motions, bills, and reports.
During the period, the House engaged in extensive discussions on national policy matters, scrutinised government proposals, and exercised its oversight responsibilities across various sectors.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration across the political divide to ensure that Parliament remained a strong pillar of Ghana’s democracy.
The adjournment sine die means the House will reconvene at the start of the next meeting in the new year, with fresh business expected to be tabled for consideration.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
20 Dec. 2025
