Afenyo-Markin Refutes Claims of Being Accompanied by a 50-Vehicle Military Convoy

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, has categorically rejected the allegations claiming that he used to be accompanied by a military convoy of 50 personnel during his tenure as Majority Leader. The accusations surfaced recently after Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, made a comment that implied a Majority Leader had once been escorted by such a large military entourage. Although Dafeamekpor did not directly name Afenyo-Markin, lawyer Martin Kpebu, who was also part of the discussion, identified him as the individual referred to.

In a response aired on The KeyPoints program on Saturday, February 22, 2025, Afenyo-Markin swiftly denied the claim, calling it a deliberate fabrication. He expressed disbelief at the suggestion, asserting, “I have never had 50 military personnel follow me in a convoy.” His firm denial was meant to dispel any notion that he had ever been the beneficiary of such a lavish and controversial security arrangement during his time as Majority Leader.

The debate during the program centered around the privileges extended to public officials, particularly the use of state resources for their benefit. Afenyo-Markin’s name came up in this context after Dafeamekpor referred to a Majority Leader being protected by a substantial military convoy. While Dafeamekpor did not provide specific details, the remarks led to a discussion on the appropriateness of such arrangements for public figures.

In the heat of the conversation, Afenyo-Markin took the opportunity to clarify the reality of his security provisions. He explained that, as Minority Leader, he is entitled to police outriders, which are typically used for logistical and security purposes. “I am not the first Minority Leader to have access to police outriders,” Afenyo-Markin remarked. He pointed out that his predecessors, including Haruna Iddrisu and Benjamin Kumbuor, also had the same privilege. According to Afenyo-Markin, such provisions are in place because of the demanding nature of the role, which requires frequent travel and accessibility.

He emphasized that the use of police outriders is not a personal luxury or a recent development. “This is due to the nature of the job, which requires mobility and accessibility. The use of outriders facilitates this process,” he explained. The Minority Leader further stressed that such security arrangements had been implemented long before he assumed his current position. “These provisions were put in place before I became Majority Leader,” he added.

Afenyo-Markin suggested that if there is a desire for a review of security measures, it should be a topic for open discussion rather than the subject of unfounded allegations. He urged that the matter should be addressed through the appropriate channels if there are concerns regarding the use of state resources for public officials’ security.

The Member of Parliament reiterated that the claim of a 50-vehicle military convoy was completely false and misleading. His rebuttal was a direct attempt to correct any misconceptions regarding the use of military personnel for his security, emphasizing that such a large-scale escort was never part of his security detail.

Afenyo-Markin’s clarification not only aimed to clear his name but also to address the broader issue of how state resources are allocated to public officials. He indicated that if there are concerns about the appropriateness of these provisions, there should be an open and transparent discussion. The topic of the privileges enjoyed by politicians, especially regarding security measures, continues to be a sensitive issue, and Afenyo-Markin’s comments reflect his desire for a fair and balanced approach to these matters.

The Minority Leader’s response to the allegations about his security arrangements was forceful and unambiguous. By refuting the claims of a 50-vehicle military convoy and explaining the standard procedures for security escorts, he sought to provide clarity and correct any misconceptions. His call for an open conversation about the use of state resources for public officials’ privileges underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the allocation of such resources.