Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused President John Dramani Mahama of discrimination following plans for the President to engage members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament.
The Effutu MP raised concerns on the floor of Parliament after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced an upcoming meeting between President Mahama and the Majority caucus, arguing that matters concerning the welfare of Members of Parliament should involve both sides of the House.
Afenyo-Markin questioned why only members of the governing party were invited for the engagement, insisting that Parliament represents all 276 lawmakers and not just one caucus.
He described the move as unfair and called on the leadership of Parliament to ensure that the Minority is also included in discussions on issues affecting legislators.
The Minority Leader referenced the approach under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, claiming that parliamentary welfare matters were handled in a way that benefited the entire House.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected the criticism and assured the Minority that President Mahama was ready to engage them as well.
He said the President, as a father of the nation, would welcome the Minority caucus for discussions, adding that there was enough room for such an engagement.
Ayariga also disputed claims that former President Akufo-Addo held similar meetings with the then Minority to discuss welfare matters during his tenure.
The exchange has reignited debate over how the Presidency should engage Parliament and whether discussions involving lawmakers should always be conducted on a bipartisan basis.
