“Opposition Is Painful and Lonely” – Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader calls on party members to manage internal competition responsibly and prioritise collective success ahead of 2028 elections.
- Afenyo-Markin urges party members to manage internal competition responsibly with unity, discipline, and respect
- He stresses that power and influence come from building bridges and collective effort, not personal ambition or division
- Party cohesion after internal contests is essential for success in the 2028 elections and Ghana’s democratic stability
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged members of his party to embrace internal competition responsibly, stressing that political contests are essential for democracy but must be managed with unity, discipline, and respect for shared values.
Speaking at the NPP peace pact signing on January 22, Afenyo-Markin described internal elections as more than contests between individuals—they are a test of the party’s maturity, resilience, and commitment to long-term objectives.
“Opposition is painful and lonely. We know this from experience. Good friends sometimes ignore us while forming new alliances. We live it, we feel it every day, and none of us wants to remain there,” he said. “Our goal is not just to seek power, but to serve, to transform lives, and to move our party forward.”
He stressed that political power is achieved through discipline, unity, and sacrifice—not division or personal ambition.
“Power does not come from creating divisions; it comes from building bridges and putting the collective interest above personal gain. This is the essence of leadership,” Afenyo-Markin explained.
He called on party members to rise above anger, insults, and short-term emotions. “Let us not allow fleeting disagreements to define us. When the contest is over, let us lock hands and march forward together—stronger, wiser, and united—towards victory in 2028. Our future, the party, and the nation depend on it.”
On the role of political competition, Afenyo-Markin highlighted its importance for a thriving democracy.
“Competition is healthy and necessary. It strengthens institutions and ensures ideas are tested. But it is not competition for competition’s sake. How we manage ambition and strong emotions during contests defines the maturity of our party and safeguards the stability of our nation,” he said.
He added that peace and stability are deliberate choices, not accidental outcomes. “Peace is the product of deliberate leadership, adherence to clear rules, mutual respect, and a collective decision to place the long-term interests of the party and country above short-term personal gain,” he noted.
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic journey, Afenyo-Markin commended political actors for their restraint and responsibility.
“Our democracy has been sustained because political actors across all parties have repeatedly demonstrated restraint at moments that could have led to conflict. This reputation has been hard-earned and must never be taken for granted,” he said.
He concluded by urging party members to prioritize unity as the guiding principle for success.
“Let us protect the party that has given us voice, purpose, and hope. Let us rise above personal differences, focus on collective victory, and commit to a future where our actions today strengthen the party and the nation tomorrow. Discipline, unity, and sacrifice are not just words—they are the pillars on which lasting political victories and a stable democracy are built. Let us leave a legacy of peace, purpose, and progress for Ghana,” Afenyo-Markin urged.
