Afenyo-Markin Denies Rift with Ahiafor, Calls It a Period of Adjustment

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has dismissed suggestions of a personal conflict with First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Bernard Ahiafor, following a heated exchange during a vetting session in Parliament.

The incident occurred on June 18, 2025, during the Appointments Committee’s vetting of Supreme Court nominee Justice Hafisata Amaleboba. Tensions rose when Afenyo-Markin posed a question that Ahiafor, who was presiding over the session, deemed repetitive and procedurally improper. Ahiafor instructed the nominee not to respond, prompting a strong objection from Afenyo-Markin and resulting in a tense moment between the two lawmakers.

In an interview on August 1, Afenyo-Markin clarified that the disagreement was not personal but rather part of the natural adjustment process as leaders take on new parliamentary roles.

“We are all adjusting,” he explained. “It is Ahiafor’s first time serving as First Deputy Speaker, and it’s also my first time as Minority Leader. The same goes for Mahama Ayariga as Majority Leader.”

He emphasized that occasional disagreements are to be expected in any democratic institution and should not be misconstrued as evidence of animosity.

“I don’t take these things personally. I’m sure they also have issues with my style, but we’re learning to work together,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin expressed confidence in the ability of Parliament’s leadership to strengthen its collaboration and foster a more unified approach to legislative business. He noted that all parties involved are committed to ensuring effective governance through mutual understanding and cooperation.