Omanghana
Prominent broadcaster Omanhene Kwabena Asante has warned that the New Patriotic Party will struggle to regain political power if its leadership continues to display what voters perceive as arrogance and entitlement.
His remarks followed a heated public dispute between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah during the NPP’s “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The controversy unfolded on Thursday, August 6, 2026, when leading members of the opposition party marched to the Jubilee House to submit a petition to the Presidency.
President John Dramani Mahama reportedly delegated Jantuah to receive the document on his behalf. Afenyo-Markin, however, objected to the arrangement, arguing that the seniority of the NPP delegation required the presence of a higher-ranking official, such as the Chief of Staff.
He described the decision to send a presidential staffer as disrespectful to the party’s leadership. During the exchange, Afenyo-Markin reportedly referred to Jantuah as a “nobody” within the context of state protocol.
Jantuah subsequently responded during a live interview on Asempa FM, expressing outrage over the Minority Leader’s comments.
“Afenyo-Markin is a small boy in my eyes. Who is he to disrespect me?” she stated.
She also announced her intention to petition Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin and demand an official retraction from the Minority Leader.
Reacting to the confrontation, Omanhene Kwabena Asante criticized Afenyo-Markin’s tone and cautioned the NPP against conduct that could reinforce public perceptions of arrogance.
He argued that a party seeking to return to government must demonstrate humility and respect toward citizens and public officials, regardless of their positions.
Other commentators similarly questioned the decision to demand recognition for the NPP delegation while allegedly belittling the official assigned to receive its petition. They warned that such conduct could alienate voters and weaken the party’s efforts to rebuild public confidence.
Critics also reminded political leaders that power is temporary and that voters often punish parties perceived as disrespectful or entitled.
Afenyo-Markin has defended his actions amid the growing backlash and accusations of sexism from members of the National Democratic Congress.
In a post on his official Facebook page, he shared a video from 2023 showing the current Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who was Minority Leader at the time, refusing to present an NDC petition to a lower-ranking security official at the Bank of Ghana.
Afenyo-Markin argued that his decision was consistent with a precedent previously established by the NDC and was based on protocol rather than personal disrespect.
The incident has since generated a wider debate about political tolerance, respect for public officials and the conduct expected of leaders seeking the confidence of Ghanaian voters.
Source: Omanghana
