Politics

Majority Leader urges media and CSOs to be on politicians

Mr Afenyo-Markin in a group photo with teachers after handing over laptops to 25 to them

The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to continue to keep politicians on their toes.

“But if politicians know there are vibrant media and civil society organisations out there, you as a politician too will check yourself. “Do not encourage us to do what we want but pinch us on issues on the floor of the House,” the Majority Leader said said.

Presentation

The Majority Leader, Mr. Afenyo-Markin spoke in Parliament last Monday after presenting laptop computers to 25 teachers who had previously taught in both private and public basic and secondary schools in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region but had been relocated to neighboring regions.

The initiative aims to promote effective teaching and learning in schools.

The Majority Leader stated that the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) must be more active in persuading political leaders to prioritize poverty reduction, hospital and school construction, and industry promotion.

“Politicians see the media and civil society as enemies but I do not see them so because they are those who will put the bitter pill on our tongue to heal us because power can mislead you and you may easily forget yourself,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the media’s vital role as gatekeepers. He praised media and civil society organisations for taking the initiative to keep politicians on their toes.

Commendation

The Majority Leader praised Metro TV for producing an exclusive documentary on Asuakyire in the Effutu Constituency in 2018, which transformed the area’s growth prospects.

He stated that a single act resulted in the upgrading of hospital services in the area, adding, “We have built a large community center, a police station, a good road network, and we are building a new immigration office.”

“This is because somebody pointed out the deficiencies in my leadership and I took it all in good strides,” he said.

Take up challenge

Mr Afenyo-Markin also praised The Fourth Estate’s Editor-in-Chief, Manasseh Azure Awuni, and the publication for their excellent job.“I want to encourage our media personnel to take up that challenge as it is an election year; nothing stops you from commending the government on its breakthroughs, whereas you point to us the challenges in the various communities,” he said.

Appreciation

On behalf of the recipient teachers, Rejoice Arhin expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Majority Leader, Mr Afenyo-Markin for the gesture, which she hoped would improve teaching and learning.