GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
The Minority Leader in Ghana’s Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has made an official request to be addressed by the title “Ɔsahene,” a designation rooted in his family heritage.
The announcement stirred lively discussions during a parliamentary session when Majority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza humorously questioned the inclusion of the title on the parliamentary roll.
“Item number 135 reads Afenyo-Markin Alexander Kwamina. Mr. Speaker, this is the first time I’ve seen in brackets ‘Ɔsahene.’ Is this from the Electoral Commission, or is it a constituency or a title? I know he’s a lawyer,” Mr. Agbodza remarked, drawing laughter from Members of Parliament.
In response, Afenyo-Markin clarified that the title was conferred on him by his uncle, the Omanhene of the Efutu Traditional Council, as a significant family honor. “It is a title conferred on me by my uncle, the Omanhene of the Efutu Traditional Council, and I am to use it. It was not done in private; it was officially conferred on me by the traditional council through custom,” he stated.
The Minority Leader emphasized that the title is not associated with chieftaincy but is a personal honor. He further likened it to other professional or cultural titles, such as Doctor, Professor, or Alhaji, which signify achievements or respect.
“I want to be known not as Mister. I want to be known as Ɔsahene Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin. Just as some people insist on being called Doctor or Professor because it’s a title they have earned, and others go by Alhaji, I have earned this title,” he said.
