Mahama Ayariga details working relationship with Afenyo-Markin

Outgoing Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has described Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin as a “troublesome boy,” while praising him for his integrity, honesty and resilience. Ayariga made the remarks during his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when Afenyo-Markin asked him to assess his performance as his counterpart in Parliament. “I would say he’s a troublesome boy. He is indeed troublesome. But I will also add that he’s somebody you can trust when you are dealing with him,” Ayariga said. He clarified that by “trust,” he meant Afenyo-Markin could always be relied upon to vigorously defend the Minority’s position and challenge the Majority. “You can trust that he’ll cause trouble. You can trust that he’ll push his side’s position,” he indicated. Ayariga said he had always regarded Afenyo-Markin’s conduct as part of his responsibility as Minority Leader and therefore allowed him to play his role in Parliament. “People call me, why do you allow him? Why can’t you do all the things that he’s doing? I’m like, he’s just playing his role. So, let him play it. I’ll play mine,” he noted. Reflecting on their working relationship over the past one and a half years, Ayariga praised Afenyo-Markin as a person of integrity and honesty. How Ayariga reacted to a question on the 'controversial' National Cathedral “I’ve come to know you as a person of integrity and honesty, and I want to thank you for the forthrightness with which you have dealt with me as the Majority Leader,” he stated. On a lighter note, he advised his successor to be prepared for Afenyo-Markin’s persistent challenges. “I’ve already told him that you are not somebody that he should be yielding to. He should be doing more than I was doing,” Ayariga said. Ayariga further praised Afenyo-Markin’s resilience, saying he was someone who never gives up even in difficult circumstances. “So, many things will be thrown at you, but from what I’ve come to know of you, I know that you are very resilient. You never give up,” he stressed. Despite their frequent political disagreements, Ayariga said he had enjoyed working with Afenyo-Markin and valued their friendship. “I honestly, honestly enjoyed your friendship. I enjoyed your friendship, and I do appreciate that,” he said. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Minority Caucus to parliamentary business, noting that members sometimes supported government bills and approvals to ensure Parliament’s work progressed. MRA/VPO Ghana will not borrow simply because financing is available – Dr Ato Forson Source: www.ghanaweb.com
« Previous | Next »