Former Majority Leader and Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has paid glowing tribute to the Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, describing him as a firm, forthright, and resilient parliamentarian who, despite his assertive approach to parliamentary business, remains remarkably understanding when it comes to consensus-building and decision-making.

Ayariga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, made the remarks when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for his ministerial vetting.

Reflecting on his working relationship with Afenyo-Markin over the past one and a half years, Ayariga said the Minority Leader had consistently demonstrated integrity, honesty and a strong commitment to advancing the interests of his side of the House.

He acknowledged that Afenyo-Markin’s forceful interventions during parliamentary debates had occasionally attracted criticism 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.”

Ayariga said his approach was informed by his appreciation of the constitutional and parliamentary responsibility of the Minority Leader to vigorously scrutinise government business and defend the interests of the Minority Caucus.

He further praised Afenyo-Markin for maintaining a principled but constructive posture in the decision-making process.

“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.”

The former Majority Leader also offered words of advice to his successor, urging him to cultivate a productive working relationship with Afenyo-Markin while remaining prepared to engage him robustly 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,” Ayariga remarked.

His comments were marked by a rare tone of personal appreciation and political camaraderie, as he reflected on the relationship that developed across the Majority–Minority divide during his tenure as Majority Leader.

Ayariga said he genuinely enjoyed working with Afenyo-Markin and expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support extended to him by the Minority Caucus.

In a particularly striking observation, he noted that there were occasions when the Minority demonstrated an even greater willingness to accommodate and facilitate his work than members of his own Majority Caucus.