Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has denied allegations that he has attempted extorting money from anyone, challenging his accusers to produce any audio or video recording linking him to such conduct.
The Effutu MP said no recording exists showing him engaging in any activity that could embarrass him, his family or the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His comments come amid a public dispute with Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, over claims concerning GoldBod’s financial performance and alleged losses associated with its operations.
Speaking in an interview, Afenyo-Markin said he had conducted himself with dignity since assuming the position of Minority Leader and would not act recklessly in discharging his parliamentary responsibilities.
“I have discharged my duty as a Minority Leader, with all the dignity that must go with the office,” he said.
He said he is mindful of the history and significance of the position, noting that it had previously been occupied by several prominent figures within the NPP tradition.
“I sit on a seat that JB Dankwa sat on, that JH Mensah sat on, that Bussia, Dombo, Papa Owusu Ankoma sat on. I don’t take NPP for granted; it’s a tradition i respect,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that he is not perfect but stressed that he would not be reckless in his conduct.
“I’m not a perfect guy, but I won’t be reckless. I know what I have to do,” he stated.
Addressing claims circulating on social media about purported audio and video recordings involving him, the Minority Leader categorically denied that such material exists.
“Some people are talking about they have videos and audios, some people are playing games on social media. Nobody has any video of me doing anything,” he said.
He further insisted that there is no audio recording of him attempting to extort money from anyone or engaging in conduct that could bring his name, family or party into disrepute.
“Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family, and the party. No, there’s nothing like that anywhere,” he stressed.
He acknowledged that politicians are often subjected to allegations and intense scrutiny in the social media era, describing such developments as part of the challenges associated with public office.
Afenyo-Markin also defended the Minority Caucus’ decision to pursue parliamentary scrutiny of issues surrounding GoldBod and alleged financial losses.
He stressed that the caucus is not targeting individuals but it is exercising its parliamentary oversight responsibilities.
“We are not accusing anybody. What we are doing is that we are exercising our oversight,” he said.
According to him, the Minority Caucus received a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which was subsequently analysed by members with expertise in finance.
He said the analysis led the caucus to conclude that the matter warranted parliamentary scrutiny.
“The IMF, we met them. They handed over a copy of their report to us. And the finance guys in the caucus analyzed the report and felt that we need to do what we’re supposed to do as part of our parliamentary oversight,” he explained.
Afenyo-Markin said the matter would have to go through the appropriate parliamentary procedures when the House resumes from its recess.
He explained that it would first come before the Business Committee before being tabled for debate. The Speaker could then establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter, with its composition determined in consultation with parliamentary leadership.
He said members with the requisite expertise would be selected to serve on the committee.
The Minority Leader maintained that the proposed parliamentary process is not intended as a personal attack on GoldBod officials.
“We are not dealing with personalities. We are dealing with policy failure. We are dealing with losses,” he said.
He argued that a thorough parliamentary examination could ultimately benefit the government by identifying weaknesses in the policies and systems under review.
“I believe that if we are able to do it, it would even help government, because in the end, they then would know that these are the weaknesses in the policy they implemented and perhaps reform and do things better,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin also welcomed Sammy Gyamfi’s reported willingness to appear before Parliament to answer questions concerning the issues under review.
He said such an appearance would provide an opportunity for the matter to be examined openly and enable Ghanaians to better understand the concerns raised by the Minority Caucus.
The latest comments follow a public dispute between Afenyo-Markin and Sammy Gyamfi over GoldBod’s financial performance and alleged losses associated with Ghana’s gold-for-reserves arrangements.
Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion, an allegation Afenyo-Markin has denied.
Afenyo-Markin has subsequently taken legal action, including defamation proceedings against Sammy Gyamfi and other parties over the allegations.
The Minority Leader has maintained that his concerns about GoldBod are centred on accountability, financial losses and parliamentary oversight rather than personal attacks.
He has now reiterated his denial of the extortion allegations and challenged anyone claiming to possess evidence against him to produce the alleged audio or video recordings.
By 1960news.com
