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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, cut short Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin's response to President John Mahama's State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 27.
Per the norm, the Majority and Minority leaders respectively are invited to pass comments on the State of the Nation Address immediately the President delivers same, to set the tone for a thorough debate later.
Soon after the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga had praised the President for a 'true state' of the nation presentation, it was the Effutu MP's turn, and he wasted no time in painting the address as hopeless as possible, beginning with a congratulatory message to the President and acknowledging that it was the first time since he was re-elected President that he was addressing Parliament.
He then proceeded to pick apart statements the President had made, referencing comments in 2013, when John Mahama had described Ghana's economy to be in a very bad shape, to wit, “the meat is now down to the bones” in reference to the economy.
Afenyo-Markin criticised the President for once again lamenting over the same economic challenges, despite his role in managing the economy during his previous term.
He also pointed out what he saw as a contradiction, highlighting that while the President had appointed fewer ministers, he had increased the number of presidential staffers.
Afenyo-Markin spent considerable time in tackling one issue after another, and when the Majority members began chanting "away, away", Afenyo signalled he was not done yet.
Speaker Bagbin then intervened, telling him, “Honourable Minority Leader, you have one more minute."
Afenyo gesticulated that it cannot be the case, lifting a finger up and wiping it from left to right.
"I cannot be limited, Mr. Speaker. Let me finish," he said, and resumed his critique.
Before long however, the Speaker's voice tore in again, this time with a firm "Your time is up, Honourable Minority Leader,” to end it all for Afenyo-Markin who stood protesting and seeking to continue.
The Speaker proceeded to put the question for the acceptance of the address (even as the Minority members protested by singing portions of the National Anthem to resist 'the oppressor's rule') before adjourning the house.

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