The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has hit back at critics, arguing that his leadership is under attack because of his effectiveness in opposition.

Speaking on Joy News’ The Probe on Sunday, February 2, the Effutu MP drew historical parallels to defend himself, stating that previous minority leaders, including current Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, had done far worse in opposition without facing the kind of scrutiny he is experiencing.

“I will never feel targeted—it is part of the game. I’m an opposition leader. You only get criticised when they see you being effective,” he stated.

According to him, the ruling party is only reacting to the strength of the NPP’s opposition.

“The NDC is out on the rules because they see some effectiveness. They see a formidable opposition. We have a strong team. We make mistakes, but that’s normal,” he added.

Mr Afenyo-Markin recalled how past opposition leaders endured similar, if not worse, criticism but continued their work.

“Look, J.H. Mensah was attacked. One Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu came under attack. Alban Bagbin, as Minority Leader, came under attack. I won’t be the first.

"Haruna Iddrisu, they called him all manner of names. I’ve watched their videos. I’m a student of politics,” he stated, emphasising that opposition leadership has always come with resistance.

However, the Effutu MP was particularly keen on highlighting Speaker Alban Bagbin’s tenure as Minority Leader and how he challenged former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

“Bagbin did worse. Mr. Speaker, who is a top diplomat today, he did worse. Go and watch back during those eight years—how he tormented John Kufuor,” Afenyo-Markin remarked.

He went further to suggest that if he were to replicate Bagbin’s tactics against President Mahama, the current administration would not be able to handle the pressure.

“If I do a quarter of what Bagbin did to Kufuor to Mahama, I’m sure they wouldn’t survive,” he said.

Despite the criticisms, Afenyo-Markin insisted that he has not even begun to unleash his full potential in opposition.

“I’ve not criticised them so far—not that I’ve not started—I’ve not criticised them,” he noted, hinting at tougher opposition tactics in the future.