The Central Region remains of utmost importance to the two major political parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The battle extends beyond the presidential slot to include the parliamentary seats as well.
In recent months, the political landscape in Ghana’s House of Representatives has witnessed significant upheavals, with the Central Region emerging as the focal point.
Not long ago, the opposition faced leadership crises and mismanagement during its transition, resulting in Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the MP for Ajumako Enyan Esiam in the Central Region, assuming the role of Minority Leader. However, the transition within the NPP’s leadership was even more chaotic.
The ruling party, which holds the majority in Parliament, experienced internal turmoil reminiscent of the “Russian-Ukraine War.” This turmoil compelled the second most powerful figure, aside from Speaker Bagbin, to address the press.
Joe Wise asserted, “Our majority caucus has not made any changes in our leadership; Kyei Mensah remains our leader, and we will not support any external interference. Members of parliament themselves must decide.” Although Alban Bagbin disagreed with Joe Wise’s interpretation of the new standing orders, that discussion is for another day.
Essentially, Ato Forson, who has served 16 years in Parliament across multiple administrations, has been a stalwart within his party, particularly during the previous NDC government. He has consistently held the government accountable to the Ghanaian public, particularly in matters of fiscal policy.
As a finance and tax expert, Ato Forson has been vocal against policies such as the E-Levy, which he deems detrimental. Despite initial unease, he has performed admirably in maintaining the high standard set by Haruna Iddrisu, the former Minority Leader and an icon in Tamale South.
On the other hand, Afenyo-Markin, known for his staunch advocacy as a lawyer, faces the daunting task of filling the shoes of one of the longest-serving MPs, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu. Kyei, who has been in parliament since 1997, is a seasoned lawmaker well-versed in parliamentary practices.
Kyei, having served his party since 1997, entered parliament at the same time as President Akufo-Addo and has been a stalwart for the party. The lawmaker is well-versed in parliamentary practices, second only to Bagbin.
Kwamena Afenyo-Markin will have a long way to go in matching his former boss and standing order encyclopedia.
The hung parliament necessitates nothing but consensus building; however, he must stop being litigious and foster better relations with the Minority to succeed.
Afenyo-Markin, a lawyer, will lead the Majority into the 2024 election. Whether in the presidential or parliamentary arena, his leadership will demonstrate his ability to keep his side united and make gains.
ATO FORSON VRS KWAMENA AFENYO-MARKIN!
As the 2024 General Elections draw near, all eyes are on the Central Region, where a fierce political battle is unfolding between Ato Forson and Kwamena Afenyo Markin. The outcome of this contest could sway the election results significantly, as the Central Region remains pivotal in determining the overall winner in Ghana’s elections.
In the 2016 elections, Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP secured victory with 53.22% of the vote, while John Mahama of the NDC garnered 43.43%. In terms of parliamentary seats, the NPP claimed 19, compared to the NDC’s 4.
Fast forward to the 2020 elections, and the NDC saw a resurgence, with Nana Akufo-Addo securing 52.71% of the vote, and John Mahama obtaining 45.87%. The NDC made significant gains in parliamentary seats, securing 13 compared to the NPP’s 10.
With the NDC determined to reclaim both the presidential and parliamentary seats, the leadership in parliament, embodied by figures like Ato Forson and Kwamena Afenyo Markin, will play a crucial role in leading the charge.
Afenyo Markin, with 12 years of parliamentary experience under his belt, has quickly risen to prominence, much like his counterpart Ato Forson. Both have solidified their constituencies as strongholds for their respective parties, despite their previous affiliations with opposing parties.
For Ato Forson, his ability to convert previously held seats into strongholds for the NDC underscores his political acumen and strong bond with constituents, making his constituency a challenging battleground for the NPP.
Similarly, Afenyo Markin’s success in securing formerly NDC-held seats highlights his political prowess and strategic manoeuvring within his constituency.
As the countdown to the 2024 General Elections begins, the question of who will emerge victorious in the Central Region—Ato Forson or Kwamena Afenyo Markin—remains unanswered. Only time will tell, and all eyes will be on the results come December 8th, 2024.
The author, Ohene Amponsah, is the Multimedia Adom Brands Parliamentary Affairs Correspondent
