Afenyo-Markin Calls on NPP to Embrace Lent and Ramadan for Reflection and Unity

Afenyo-Markin Calls on NPP Members to Use Lent and Ramadan for Reflection and Unity Amid Election Loss

In light of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) defeat in the 2024 elections, Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on party members to embrace the periods of Lent and Ramadan as a time for self-reflection, unity, and recommitment to the party’s future. Acknowledging the disappointment felt by many NPP supporters, he urged members to look beyond the recent setback and focus on the long-term goal of regaining power in the 2028 elections.

In a heartfelt social media post, the Effutu MP expressed empathy for the emotional toll the loss has taken on party members. He recognized the frustration, heartbreak, and sense of disillusionment that often accompanies such defeats. “I know we are all feeling heartbroken, disappointed, and upset with the outcome of the elections. Such feelings are expected after such a loss,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said. “But we must remember that the past is behind us. Today is a new day, and it’s time to move forward with resilience, determination, and a renewed focus on the future.”

Emphasizing the importance of unity, Mr. Afenyo-Markin cautioned against internal party divisions, which have the potential to erode the NPP’s strength moving forward. He urged party members to avoid publicly airing grievances or engaging in negative behavior, such as mudslinging or name-calling on both social and traditional media platforms. “This is not the right approach,” he said. “Internal issues must be addressed through the proper channels, not in public confrontations. We must all come together and work toward strengthening the party.”

He further acknowledged that the NPP’s defeat has been a hard pill to swallow, but he urged members to remain patient and allow the process of self-examination to take place through the party’s established governance structures. In this regard, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed confidence in the work of the Committee led by Professor Mike Oquaye, which has been tasked by the NPP’s National Council to investigate the reasons behind the 2024 election defeat. He encouraged members to trust the process and be patient while waiting for the committee’s findings and recommendations.

“The Committee is already working on the report, and we must trust their efforts,” he said. “I have faith that the committee will provide the roadmap we need to rebuild and regain our place of prominence. We have been through tough times before, and we can overcome this too.”

Drawing lessons from history, Mr. Afenyo-Markin reminded party members that both the NPP and other political parties in Ghana had faced significant setbacks in the past but managed to bounce back with strategic planning and unity. He pointed to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which faced similar challenges in the past, yet managed to regroup and strengthen its position. He also referenced the NPP’s experience in 1996, when the party won only 61 parliamentary seats, but through hard work and determination, the party bounced back under the leadership of J.H. Mensah and won the 2000 elections.

“Let us not forget our own history,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin continued. “In 1996, we were in a similar position, securing only 61 seats in Parliament. However, through unity, strategic planning, and relentless effort, we turned things around and came back stronger in 2000. The NDC also faced a similar situation in the past, and they too managed to recover.”

Despite the current setback, the Minority Leader assured party members that the NPP remains determined to regain political power. He emphasized that the “Mighty Minority” in Parliament, which currently holds 88 seats, will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success in the 2028 elections.

“We are in opposition, but we remain strong, united, and determined,” he stated. “The NPP has always been resilient, and with the collective effort of our dedicated members, we will rise again.”

In conclusion, Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s message serves as a call for the NPP to use the solemnity of Lent and Ramadan to reflect on the party’s past, unite in common purpose, and prepare for the long road ahead to reclaim power in the future. By remaining focused and working together, he believes the NPP will overcome the current challenges and emerge victorious in the 2028 elections.