Accra: Mr Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, the outgoing Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Ghana's Parliament, delivered his final remarks as the leader of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic. In his farewell speech, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed his emotions, reflecting on his tenure of a little over nine months. He noted the significant transition he would undergo, moving to the left of the Speaker to lead the Minority in the new session.

According to Ghana News Agency, a notable feature of the Eighth Parliament was its near-equal composition, with 137 members from each side and one independent member. Mr Afenyo-Markin highlighted the historic election of the Speaker from the opposition party, a first in the country's parliamentary history, which marked a novel development for Ghana's democracy.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also noted the equal female representation across the political divide, with 20 female members from each side, totaling 40 and representing 14.5 percent of the parliamentary body-the highest recorded in the Fourth Republic. He remarked on the changes in leadership within the Eighth Parliament, emphasizing the opportunities provided to members to serve on the front bench.

He acknowledged the challenges faced during his leadership, emphasizing the collective efforts to conduct parliamentary business in a conducive atmosphere. Rising from Deputy Majority Leader to Majority Leader, Mr Afenyo-Markin credited his growth to mentorship and counsel from colleagues, including Mr Osei Kye-Mensah-Bonsu, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Mr Cletus A. Avoka, Madam Patricia Appiagyei, and Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu.

In his address, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed gratitude towards these colleagues, particularly highlighting the support of Mrs. Appiagyei for her wise counsel. He also touched upon the Judiciary, lamenting the Parliament's failure to approve two presidential nominees for the Supreme Court.

Reflecting on the losses during the Eighth Parliament, Mr Afenyo-Markin mourned the passing of Mr Philip Atta Basoah, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, 18 former Members of Parliament, and former First Lady, Mrs Theresa Kufuor, expressing condolences and wishing them eternal peace.