Afenyo shouldn’t pay a price for loyalty — Kofi Bentil advises Bawumia

Legal practitioner and honorary vice president of Imani Ghana, Kofi Bentil, has urged former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, now the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), not to replace the current Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, over his loyalty during the NPP presidential primary, describing the Effutu lawmaker as one of the country’s “most astute politicians.”

The call by Kofi Bentil follows growing rumours that Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, popularly known as Osahen, could be replaced by Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh as Minority Leader in Parliament, allegedly due to his loyalty to Ken Agyapong during the NPP presidential primary.

Speaking on Joy FM’s current affairs programme, News File, Bentil said Afenyo-Markin’s unwavering loyalty during the party’s presidential primaries should be recognised as an asset rather than a liability. “Afenyo shouldn’t pay a price for loyalty. Loyalty is an admirable attribute in every place, even when it’s exercised against you,” he said. “Even where it might appear counterproductive, true loyalty in politics is valuable and deserving of respect.”

Bentil commended the NPP for its strategic decision to consolidate party support behind Bawumia following the primaries, arguing that timely alignment strengthens party cohesion and improves prospects in the general election. “The recent moves by the party were necessary. They remove lingering doubts and ensure heavy-duty mobilisation. The general election is a mountain, and this primary is just a hill. Everyone must now shoot in the same direction,” he said.

The political analyst highlighted Afenyo-Markin’s skills as a constituency leader and political broker, noting that his influence in Effutu and beyond was built through careful assessment, consistent strategy, and personal diplomacy. “He is one of the most astute politicians in this country. He knows what he wants, how to get it, and how to deploy his influence for the party’s benefit,” Bentil said, adding that the lawmaker’s half-Volta heritage and cross-regional engagement demonstrate his ability to navigate complex political dynamics.

Bentil advised Bawumia to recognise the importance of loyal members like Afenyo-Markin and to protect them from potential internal backlash. “If Afenyo aligns behind Bawumia, he could play a crucial role in mobilising support. Loyalty should not be a liability. We need everyone to fall in line and align behind the party strategy,” he said.

The Imani Ghana official also addressed internal party democracy, clarifying that the need for strategic alignment does not conflict with democratic principles. “Internally democratic does not also mean you throw away your strategy. Democracy in a party means campaigning and ensuring people fall in line. That is how you fight effectively,” he said, emphasizing that strong leadership requires both vision and tactical coordination.

Bentil further reflected on leadership styles, describing Afenyo-Markin as effective but occasionally combative, a style necessary for navigating parliamentary dynamics. He suggested that political figures often adopt the style of their leaders, and that Bawumia’s leadership would naturally influence his team. “The way you deploy strategy, influence, and loyalty in politics determines whether you succeed. Afenyo knows where his bread is buttered and will not act against the party or its objectives,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Bentil stressed that political loyalty, competence, and alignment are central to the NPP’s electoral strategy. “If a member like Afenyo is effective and knows how to mobilise, why would you alienate him? Everyone must fall in line. Loyalty should be celebrated, not punished,” he said.