In a recent interview, Honorable Ahmed Ibrahim, MP for Banda and Deputy Minority Chief Whip, delivered a sharp critique of Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s leadership style. Speaking on the dynamics of political leadership, Ahmed Ibrahim drew on cultural analogies and political insights to paint a vivid picture of why he believes Afenyo-Markin is better suited to opposition leadership than governance in the majority.
“You know, when a party is losing,” Ahmed began, “it loses and leaves most of the senior ones in. Technically, just like in our culture, the eldest man becomes Dabu Sapeni—a natural leader in times of change. In every minority party, senior members often occupy leadership positions.”
Ahmed went on to explain that the NPP, now in a minority position, would face minimal challenges in selecting their leadership, primarily because of Afenyo-Markin’s innate skills as an “attacking midfielder.”
A Leader Suited for Opposition
Ahmed characterized Afenyo-Markin as a “born opposition leader,” someone adept at attacking and holding others accountable but lacking the qualities needed for governance in a majority role. “In the majority, your role is to defend and deliver results. In the minority, your job is to attack. Afenyo-Markin excels at attacking but struggles with defense, which is why his tenure as Majority Leader would score below average if evaluated,” Ahmed stated.
Comparing Afenyo-Markin to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Ahmed highlighted the versatility of the latter. “Mensa is like a midfielder who knows when to defend and when to go on the offensive. Afenyo, on the other hand, is a one-sided attacking player. In majority leadership, where balance is key, this becomes a weakness.”
Missing the Mark in Majority Leadership
Ahmed also criticized Afenyo-Markin’s inability to adapt to the nuances of majority leadership. “At times, instead of bringing the curtain down, he would still be raising it. In the majority, you must aim for results, but his style was better suited for minority politics.”
The MP concluded by emphasizing that while Afenyo-Markin’s skillset makes him a formidable figure in opposition, it falls short of the demands of governing in a majority role. His strengths lie in holding opponents accountable, not in leading with balance and delivering results for the nation.
A Call for Strategic Leadership
Ahmed Ibrahim’s remarks offer a sobering analysis of Afenyo-Markin’s political career. Whether or not one agrees with his assessment, the comments highlight the importance of matching leadership styles with the roles they are best suited for. As the political landscape continues to evolve, only time will tell if Afenyo-Markin rises to meet the challenges of minority leadership—or if the NPP will look elsewhere for someone who can strike the right balance.
