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Ghana’s Minority Leader defends heated parliamentary debates as democratic discourse

When fiery exchanges erupt in Parliament, is it chaos or democracy at work? One leader explains why tension fuels progress—not conflict.

There are many people sitting in the chairs in this room and one guy is standing near the podium...
There are many people sitting in the chairs in this room and one guy is standing near the podium and talking. There are two flags beside him. In the background there is a wall, pillars and Windows here.

Ghana’s Minority Leader defends heated parliamentary debates as democratic discourse

Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, has addressed recent tensions within the chamber. He clarified that heated exchanges among lawmakers are not signs of hostility but part of democratic debate. His comments follow public discussions about the conduct of MPs during contentious sessions.

Afenyo-Markin stressed that Parliament is not a battleground but a space for expressing differing opinions. He acknowledged that disagreements may sometimes appear chaotic to outsiders. However, he insisted these clashes are a normal part of the legislative process.

The Minority Leader also warned against physical confrontations, stating they only lead to personal conflicts rather than solutions. He urged MPs to maintain civility, even when debates become intense. His remarks come as public scrutiny grows over the behaviour of lawmakers during fiery sessions. Afenyo-Markin reassured that the atmosphere in Parliament has since returned to normal after recent incidents.

The Minority Leader’s statements aim to reframe public perception of parliamentary debates. He reinforced that while disagreements are inevitable, they must be handled with respect. His comments follow ongoing discussions about maintaining decorum in Ghana’s legislative process.

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