We Draw Inspiration from NDC’s Past to Work Hard and Return to Power – Afenyo-Markin

 Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, says the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is drawing lessons from the past experiences of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as it works to bounce back from its 2024 electoral defeat.

According to him, the recent Akwatia by-election loss — which reduced the NPP’s parliamentary seats from 88 to 87 — serves as a reminder that setbacks can be turned into opportunities for a political comeback.

Citing historical precedence, the Effutu lawmaker recalled how the NDC, after losing the 2000 general elections and suffering defeats in subsequent by-elections, reorganised, won majority of later by-elections, and eventually reclaimed power in the 2008 polls.

“The NPP is going through turbulent times, but when there is a history of precedence, you can only be inspired to work harder,” Afenyo-Markin said.

He made these remarks on Thursday, September 11, 2025, during a courtesy call on the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, by the UK Minister for International Development, Baroness Chapman.

The Minority Leader further stressed the need for greater international support to strengthen Ghana’s Parliament, particularly in building the capacity of lawmakers to perform their oversight functions effectively. He also urged political actors to refrain from excesses that often accompany transitions of power and called for stronger protection of human rights.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin also commended Speaker Bagbin for what he described as his exemplary leadership in Ghana’s parliamentary history.

By-Election Records Since 2001

3rd Parliament (2001–2004) – NPP won all seven by-elections:

1. Kumawu (2002) – NPP

2. Bimbilla (2002) – NPP

3. Wulensi (2003) – NPP

4. Navrongo Central (2003) – NPP

5. Gomoa East (2003) – NPP

6. Amenfi West (2003) – NPP

7. Upper Denkyira (2004) – NPP

4th Parliament (2005–2008) – Six by-elections; NDC won 3, NPP won 3:

1. Asawase (2005) – NDC

2. Odododiodio (2005) – NDC

3. Offinso South (2006) – NPP

4. Tamale Central (2006) – NDC

5. Fomena (2007) – NPP

6. Nkoranza North (2007) – NPP

5th Parliament (2009–2012) – Three by-elections; NDC won 2, NPP won 1:

1. Chereponi (2009) – NDC

2. Jirapa (2009) – NDC

3. Atiwa (2010) – NPP

6th Parliament (2013–2016) – Seven by-elections; NDC won 4, NPP won 2, CPP won 1:

1. Akatsi South (2013) – NDC

2. Buem (2013) – NDC

3. Kumbungu (2013) – CPP

4. Talensi (2015) – NDC

5. Amenfi West (2015) – NDC

6. Abuakwa North (2016) – NPP

7. Abetifi (2016) – NPP

7th Parliament (2017–2020) – One by-election:

• Ayawaso West Wuogon (2019) – NPP

8th Parliament (2021–2024) – One by-election:

• Ejisu (2024) – NPP

9th Parliament (2025–present) – Two by-elections so far:

• Akwatia (2025) – NDC

• Tamale Central (2025) – NDC candidate sole contender.

• By: Christian Kpesese