We’re not brothers; he will turn and stab you – Dafeamekpor on Afenyo-Markin rivalry

Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has offered a candid – though lighthearted – reflection on the political rivalry and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring in Parliament, particularly in his interactions with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

Speaking on StarrChat with Bola Ray on Thursday, June 19, Dafeamekpor shared anecdotes that highlighted the often intense yet calculated nature of parliamentary politics, while clarifying that the tensions are political, not personal.

“Every time he tries to create problems, he says we’re brothers. So I rebut and say we’re not brothers, else he will turn his back and stab you,” Dafeamekpor said with a laugh, drawing attention to the tactical game often played between opposing sides in Parliament.

He recalled moments where Afenyo-Markin would question the presence of NDC MPs at committee meetings, seemingly casting doubt on their commitment.

“He sometimes just gets up and says, ‘Where are your numbers? The nation gave you 137, but I can’t find the rest,’” Dafeamekpor recounted, suggesting it was part of a strategy to frustrate government business.

Dafeamekpor, however, maintained that his caucus is consistently present and active during committee work, despite such comments.

“Whenever there’s a committee meeting, my men are always present, yet he still questions me,” he noted.

He also revealed a moment of banter between them, where Afenyo-Markin once remarked that Dafeamekpor had been a thorn in his side during his tenure as Majority Leader.

“Afenyo says when he was Majority Leader, I used to be a thorn in his flesh for about two years—and perhaps, he thinks my work and that of others brought him down,” he added.

Dafeamekpor’s comments, while pointed, were shared in good humour, shedding light on the intricate dynamics, strategic rivalry, and occasional friendly jabs that characterise leadership interactions in Ghana’s Parliament.