Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for an end to what he describes as retaliatory politics, warning that it has done more harm than good to Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged political leaders, especially those in power, to rise above retaliatory actions and focus on governance that builds national unity.
“The call is an end to retaliatory politics. And I am sure that when situations occur, people out of pain speak and express views, but I sit here as a leader of the caucus to say that the retaliatory approach is not the way to go for our nation,” he said.
He was responding to a comment by Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a communicator of the NPP, to the effect that the party will dismiss all the seven new Supreme Court judges nominated by President Mahama should they return to office.
He explained that if the country continues along this path, it would only lead to a never-ending cycle of political vengeance. “It would mean that a vicious cycle without an end. Where would it lead us?”
Mr Afenyo-Markin cautioned that the public is becoming more watchful and wary of the actions of politicians. “If we as a political class are paying attention to data, we would realise that the masses are getting concerned and suspicious about our conduct.”
He said while the National Democratic Congress (NDC) may currently enjoy some goodwill, it risks losing public support due to what he described as vengeful decisions.
“NDC may think that they are enjoying some goodwill, but what they don’t know is that through these actions, they themselves are eroding the goodwill rather speedily,” he stated.
The Minority Leader also criticised President Mahama for allowing hardliners to influence key decisions in government, particularly in the case of the recent controversy surrounding the Chief Justice.
“I hold the view that Mr President has allowed hawks to direct the affairs in this matter and it is not good for his legacy, it is not good for governance,” he said.
He noted that dismissals of workers and the military under the current administration reflect a departure from what he described as the President’s more measured leadership style in the past.
“It is not the moderate President Mahama we know of old. One of his unique selling propositions as a politician is the fact that he has been seen as a moderate,” he said.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, President Mahama’s return to office was partly welcomed because many Ghanaians believed he would govern with balance. However, recent actions suggest otherwise.
“So far, it has been retaliatory… yes they’ve hurt us, let’s also hurt them, let’s also deal with them – and I think it is not going to help.”
He urged the President to reflect and reconsider recent decisions, especially the issue involving the Chief Justice.
“I think that government can still reflect and deal with this thing and bring an end to this issue of the Chief Justice being dismissed.”
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