The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has voiced strong support for maintaining the current leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in the 9th Parliament, emphasizing the value of experience and resilience in leadership roles.

Speaking to the media in Parliament on Wednesday, December 18, Mr. Osei-Owusu highlighted his perspective as a seasoned legislator, even though he is not part of the incoming Parliament.

“I’m not a member of the 9th Parliament, and nobody has asked me to make recommendations. But as someone who has worked full-time in the House, I strongly believe in longevity and experience,” he stated.

Drawing on historical examples, he praised the leadership journey of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who rose through the ranks from Chief Whip to become a standout parliamentary leader.

“When Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was the Minority Leader and later Majority Leader, he stood out very clearly. But it did not happen by accident. Longevity brings experience and clarity,” Mr. Osei-Owusu explained.

He endorsed Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin to continue as Minority Leader, arguing that his experience is critical for the NPP Minority's success in the next Parliament.

“There’s nobody who has had that experience before him. The only person with a similar track record is Hon. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, but he is leaving Parliament. If you ask me, let Afenyo-Markin continue. He is now the only person with the experience needed to guide the caucus.”

Acknowledging the challenges ahead for the NPP Minority, Mr. Osei-Owusu stressed the importance of strategic leadership.

“Where we are now, we need to be combative. We can never influence decisions—at best, we’ll get 91 votes, considering all that is going on.

We cannot change decisions, but our voices must be loudly heard both inside and outside the chamber,” he argued.

He further outlined the

needed in the next Minority Leader, emphasizing the importance of strength, assertiveness, and the ability to endure pressure.

“The leader must be strong, hot-headed, and willing to stand the heat. That’s my view,” he concluded.