There was drama in Parliament today after Speaker Alban Bagbin referred to the Minority in Parliament as a “Micro-Minority”.
The comment, intended to emphasize the slim numerical advantage of the Minority, sparked immediate disapproval from the NPP MPs, who vehemently opposed the label.
Speaker Bagbin, in his remarks, stated his commitment to protecting the Minority’s rights despite their size. However, his use of the term “Micro-Minority” triggered spontaneous reactions from the NPP caucus, with some MPs standing in apparent readiness to stage a walkout.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, swiftly addressed the Speaker’s characterization, registering his side’s displeasure. This compelled Speaker Bagbin to withdraw the term in an attempt to calm tensions.
In an attempt to clarify the remark, Speaker Bagbin later indicated that the term “Micro-Minority” should only be used by leadership in specific contexts. However, this clarification did little to appease the Minority MPs, who viewed the term as diminishing their role in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Majority Chief Whip and MP for Adaklu, Governs Kwame Agbodza, challenged some of the Minority’s claims regarding the election of Speaker Bagbin. He dismissed allegations raised by the NPP caucus, emphasizing the legitimacy of the Speaker’s position.
