The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has reassigned Obuasi West MP Kwaku Kwarteng to the newly created position of Majority Spokesperson and Chairman of the Economy Committee, a move he described as a promotion rather than a demotion.
Although some Members of Parliament in the Minority side believe the shake up is a demotion and should be reversed, the Majority Leader disagrees.
“Kwaku Kwarteng has done nothing wrong to the government or the party for which he should be demoted,” he explained.
Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the role of Chairman of the Economy Committee and Majority Spokesperson on the economy is more significant than Kwarteng’s previous role as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
The Economy Committee, introduced in the new standing orders, operates as a standalone committee separate from the Finance Committee, but currently wields less power.
The announcement, made unexpectedly on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 28, disappointed some Majority MPs. This was the only change Afenyo-Markin announced, with further changes expected in the coming days.
Speaking on Yen Nsempa on Onua FM, July 3, Afenyo-Markin explained that Kwarteng’s new role is strategic, aiming to directly counter the opposition’s stance on economic matters.
He issued a challenge to the opposition to designate their own economy spokesperson, indicating that Kwarteng would specifically face the opposition’s Isaac Adongo on economic issues.
The Effutu MP underscored the importance of the newly established Economy Committee, predicting it will become one of the most crucial committees in Parliament.
“We are taking proactive steps on this side of the House to present a serious challenge. The new Economy Committee will be the most important committee in this House,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
By Daakyehene Nana Yaw Asante
