Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said he will miss former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga following his appointment to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
The Effutu Member of Parliament praised Mr Ayariga for his open, approachable and straightforward leadership style during their time working together in the Parliament of Ghana.
Speaking on Metro TV on Monday, August 10, 2026, Afenyo-Markin described the former Majority Leader as a politician who was willing to express his views clearly without allowing political disagreements to affect personal relationships.
According to the Minority Leader, one of the qualities he appreciated most about Mahama Ayariga was his ability to communicate his concerns directly whenever he disagreed with a decision or parliamentary matter.
“He’s an affable, easygoing character,” Afenyo-Markin said, emphasizing that Ayariga generally did not hold grudges, a quality that helped maintain a cordial relationship despite their political differences.
The Minority Leader noted that disagreements between the NPP Minority and NDC Majority were part of parliamentary democracy. However, he said both politicians were able to separate political competition from their personal relationship.
Afenyo-Markin also acknowledged that their time as parliamentary leaders involved political strategy, with both sides occasionally surprising each other during debates and legislative proceedings.
“There were times that he would surprise me. There were times that I also sprang surprises on him,” he said.
He explained that such political manoeuvring was expected from leaders representing opposing political parties in Parliament, particularly when defending their respective party positions and interests.
Despite their political differences, Afenyo-Markin said he and Ayariga maintained a productive working relationship and demonstrated that political disagreements do not necessarily have to become personal.
Mahama Ayariga Appointed Local Government Minister
Mahama Ayariga recently left his position as Majority Leader of Parliament after President John Dramani Mahama nominated him as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Following his appointment, Builsa North MP James Agalga took over as the new Majority Leader in Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin wished Ayariga success in his new government position and acknowledged his contribution to parliamentary leadership and their working relationship over the years.
The development comes as President Mahama continues to make changes within his administration, with the new minister expected to play a key role in local government administration, chieftaincy affairs and religious affairs in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com