The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has officially declared his preference to be addressed by the title “Ɔsahene.”
The announcement sparked discussions in Parliament when the Majority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza, raised questions about 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 quipped, prompting laughter among Members of Parliament.
The Chief Whip added, “People are adding titles. So, what is Ɔsahene? Is it a new title, or has the EC declared it? Or is it a new way to describe Minority Leaders?”
In response, Afenyo-Markin clarified that the title “Ɔsahene” was conferred on him by his uncle, the Omanhene of the Efutu Traditional Council, and emphasized its importance as a family honour.
“It is a title conferred on me by my uncle, the Omanhene of the Efutu Traditional Council, and I am to use it. I prefer to use that title, so I do not think you should have any problems with it at all. It was not done in private; it was officially conferred on me by the traditional council through custom,” he explained.
Nonetheless, Afenyo-Markin also addressed the misconception that the title might be linked to chieftaincy, explaining that it is purely a family honour.
“I want to be known not as Mister. I want to be known as Ɔsahene Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin. That is it, and that is how I filled my form. It is my title. 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.”
The Minority Leader’s explanation adds a cultural perspective to the use of traditional titles, sparking curiosity and conversations about their significance in contemporary Ghanaian politics.