Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has reaffirmed his preference to be addressed as “Ɔsahene” in Parliament, stating it is a formal title bestowed on him by the Efutu Traditional Council.
The matter was raised by Majority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza during a parliamentary session when he questioned the appearance of the title on the parliamentary roll.
“Item number 135, the name reads Afenyo-Markin Alexander Kwamina. Mr. Speaker, this is the first time I’ve seen in brackets ‘Ɔsahene.’ Is that from the Electoral Commission, or what? Is that a constituency or a title? I know he’s a lawyer,” Agbodza said, sparking laughter in the chamber.
Afenyo-Markin explained the title’s significance, emphasizing it was not a chieftaincy designation but a family honor officially conferred on him.
“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 stated.
He further defended his decision to use the title in official documents, comparing it to other honorifics like Doctor, Professor, or Alhaji.
“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, and just as others insist on being called by their earned titles, I will use mine.”
