By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA
Accra, Feb. 27, GNA—Mr. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, says Ghana’s democracy has thrived on pragmatic, moderate governance, with power alternating between parties and institutions strengthening over time.
However, he said as the country navigated its development challenges, centrism offered a balanced approach, blending elements of centre-left and centre-right ideologies to prioritize stability, growth, and social welfare.
“Ghana’s choice is between short-term advancement and sustained transformation. May we choose sustainable development over short-term gains, stability over volatility, productivity over populism, and constitutional purpose over partisan convenience,” he said.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin said on Thursday at the maiden public lecture organized by the Public Affairs Subdivision, under the auspices of the Clerk to Parliament.
Held in Parliament House, Accra, it was themed “Centrism: Formulating Policies that Serve a Growing Democracy.”
Mr. Afenyo-Markin, also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, proposed some key reforms that included the reconstitution of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) around technical competence, a supermajority parliamentary confirmation for key appointments, and the binding medium-to-long-term developmental frameworks.
“Mr. Chairman, integrating fiscal responsibility into development planning, institutionalizing policy impact evaluation, and continuity audits are also proposed reforms,” he said.
He explained that the reforms aimed to ensure evidence-based planning, reduce partisan capture, and promote policy continuity.
“The ultimate test of a democracy is how wisely it manages continuity. It’s time for Ghanaians to demand action, accountability, and a commitment to sustainable development,” he stated.
Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader, in his remarks touched on how centrism played out in Ghana’s context.
He highlighted that it was about pragmatism, not ideology—focusing policies that work, improve lives, and are sustainable.
“Ghana’s history and constitution seem to naturally lean towards this balanced approach where centrism is seen as a path to stability, growth, and progress,” he said.
Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk to Parliament, emphasized the need for social equity, inclusive growth, and dialogue driven by intellectual honesty and respect.
He expressed hope that the discussion will deepen understanding of centrism and parliament’s role in Ghana’s democracy, ultimately leading to prosperity for the citizenry.
Mr. Andrew Amoako Asiamah, the Second Deputy Speaker and the Chairman of the lecture, emphasized the importance of centricism in policymaking, saying it’s “not indecision or neutrality, but a disciplined commitment to principled pragmatism.”
He stressed that Ghana’s diverse nature demanded a policy approach that was measured, evidence-driven, and constitutionally grounded.
He commended the Public Affairs Subdivision for bringing citizens closer to legislative work, saying it “will force transparency and enhance public understanding of how policy decisions are made and why they matter.”
The Deputy Second Speaker, also the NPP MP for Fomena, noted that the theme was timely, given Ghana’s economic pressures, social transformation, and civic expectations.
Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, a former NPP MP for Manhyia South and a former vice presidential candidate to Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 election; Mr. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a lawyer and leading member of the NPP; and Mr. Farouk Aliu Mahama, a former NPP MP for Yendi, were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade