The outgoing Majority Leader and Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has described Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin as a man of honesty, fortitude and integrity, despite his often forceful approach to parliamentary business.
Mr Ayariga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, made the remarks when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for his ministerial vetting.
Reflecting on his working relationship with the Minority Leader over the past one and a half years, Mr Ayariga said Mr Afenyo-Markin had consistently demonstrated forthrightness and a strong commitment to defending the interests of the Minority Caucus.
He acknowledged that the Minority Leader’s assertive interventions on the floor of Parliament had, at times, drawn concern from members of his own Majority Caucus.
“Sometimes my own people ask me, ‘Why do you allow Afenyo to say all these kinds of things? But I tell them to allow him to play his role as Minority Leader, and I will find a way to get the decisions taken my way,” he said.
Mr Ayariga said his willingness to accommodate the Minority Leader’s approach was informed by his understanding of the constitutional and parliamentary responsibilities of the Minority, which include scrutinising government business and holding the Majority to account.
“Working with you over the last one and a half years, I have come to know that you have integrity; you are honest, but very tough. I want to thank you for your forthrightness,” he told Mr Afenyo-Markin.
Advice to successor
The outgoing Majority Leader also urged his successor to develop a productive working relationship with the Minority Leader while remaining prepared to engage him firmly on matters of principle.
“I hope you and my successor will find common ground to work together. I have already told him that he shouldn’t be yielding to you always,” Mr Ayariga said.
“Even though I am a bit older than you, I sometimes tolerate you. But he is a man of your age, so be ready for him. Unlike me, he will respond to every issue,” he added.
Mr Ayariga said he had genuinely enjoyed working with Mr Afenyo-Markin and expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended to him by the Minority Caucus during his tenure as Majority Leader.
He recounted instances in which members of the Minority had shown considerable willingness to accommodate and facilitate his work, sometimes more than members of his own Majority Caucus.
The comments offered a rare display of personal appreciation across the Majority-Minority divide, with Mr Ayariga acknowledging the role of robust disagreement while also emphasising the importance of consensus and cooperation in parliamentary business.
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