James Agalga, the Member of Parliament representing Builsa North, has promised to build consensus in his address upon stepping into his position as the new head of the Majority Caucus.
His ascension to the leadership role occurred after the National Democratic Congress sent formal notice to Speaker Alban Bagbin, filling the vacancy created when former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga was tapped to head the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
In his opening address to the chamber, Agalga promised Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the opposition bench that he would emphasize dialogue and mutual concession to keep the legislative body functioning smoothly.
“We can make compromises as and when necessary. And I assure you, I’ll give it to you. I would reach out, I would consult, but at the same time, I would work to ensure that the Reset Agenda of our President is accomplished for the betterment of all of us,” he said.
In response during the Thursday, August 27 parliamentary session, Afenyo-Markin extended a hand of cooperation while maintaining his party’s competitive stance. “I am saying that you can find in me a friend. My job is not to obstruct you. My job is to offer a different lens to things you may not see,” he said.
The Minority Leader emphasized that his caucus intends to ground its legislative pushback in thorough preparation rather than blind opposition. “I can promise you a well-researched dossier for all my debates. That I can promise you,” he added.
However, Afenyo-Markin was quick to note that his willingness to collaborate would not compromise his primary political goal of flipping the balance of power in the house. “My job really, my job really is to turn this Minority into Majority. That really is my job,” he stressed.
Concluding his remarks, the Minority Leader cautioned Agalga against any maneuvers aimed at fracturing or sowing division within the opposition ranks as the new majority leadership takes charge.
