The Effutu Member of Parliament and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has publicly expressed his surprise at the exclusion of Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings from President John Mahama’s ministerial appointments. Afenyo-Markin finds it perplexing that despite Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ status as the daughter of the late NDC founder and former President Jerry John Rawlings, and her own position as the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, she has not been considered for a ministerial portfolio. He argues that her lineage and parliamentary experience should have made her a prime candidate for a ministerial role.
Afenyo-Markin’s remarks, delivered on the parliamentary floor, reflect a broader critique of President Mahama’s appointment process, particularly regarding gender balance. He highlighted the aspirations of newly elected female MPs eager to contribute to governance, suggesting that their potential is being overlooked. He further emphasized the case of a respected professor and surgeon from Esikado who also remains absent from the ministerial list. By raising these examples, Afenyo-Markin questioned whether the President’s choices are inadvertently discriminatory, while acknowledging his belief that President Mahama does not intend to discriminate. Instead, he framed his comments as a reminder to the President of the significant talent pool available within Parliament.
The underlying concern in Afenyo-Markin’s statement revolves around the principles of inclusivity and representation in government. He implicitly argues that the exclusion of individuals like Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings and the unnamed professor weakens the representative nature of the government. By neglecting to appoint individuals with strong political pedigrees, proven professional experience, and diverse backgrounds, the government potentially misses opportunities to leverage valuable skills and perspectives in policy formulation and implementation. This also potentially sends a discouraging message to aspiring female politicians and professionals who may perceive a lack of opportunity for advancement within the current political landscape.
Furthermore, Afenyo-Markin’s observation draws attention to the ongoing discussion about gender representation in politics. While President Mahama has asserted that women comprise 27% of his appointments, this figure falls short of the 30% quota he pledged during the 2024 election campaign. This discrepancy raises questions about the government’s commitment to achieving its stated gender equality goals. Afenyo-Markin’s critique implicitly calls for greater transparency and accountability in the appointment process, urging the President to actively pursue policies that ensure a more balanced and representative government.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings’ exclusion also highlights the complexities of political appointments, where factors beyond merit and experience can come into play. While her lineage might be perceived as a qualification by some, it could also be a point of contention for others. Furthermore, political considerations, factional dynamics within the NDC, and the need to balance regional representation could all influence the President’s decisions. Ultimately, the final selection of ministerial appointees involves a delicate balancing act aimed at satisfying diverse interests and priorities within the ruling party and the broader political landscape.
In essence, Afenyo-Markin’s statement is not simply about the absence of specific individuals from the ministerial list. It serves as a broader commentary on the principles of representation, inclusivity, and gender equality in government. By highlighting the exclusion of prominent figures like Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings and the unnamed professor, he implicitly critiques the current appointment process and calls for a more transparent and equitable approach that ensures the government fully reflects the diverse talents and perspectives available within Ghana’s political landscape. The debate sparked by his remarks underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving true representation and highlights the importance of continued advocacy for greater inclusivity in political leadership.
