Former Majority Leader and Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has described Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin as a paragon of honesty, fortitude and integrity.
Ayariga paid glowing tribute to Afenyo-Markin when he appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting.
The Bawku Central MP said that despite his assertive style, the Minority Leader remains remarkably understanding when it comes to consensus-building.
Reflecting on their working relationship over the past one-and-a-half years, Ayariga said Afenyo-Markin had consistently demonstrated integrity and a strong commitment to advancing the interests of his side.
He admitted that Afenyo-Markin’s forceful interventions during debates had occasionally drawn criticism from the 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,” Ayariga said.
He said his approach was informed by his appreciation of the Minority Leader’s constitutional duty to scrutinise government business and defend the interests of the Minority.
“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 added.
Ayariga also advised his successor to build a productive working relationship with Afenyo-Markin while remaining firm 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. 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 said.
He said he genuinely enjoyed working with Afenyo-Markin and was grateful for the cooperation of the Minority caucus, noting that there were occasions when the Minority was even more willing to accommodate him than his own Majority caucus.
