Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has dismissed claims of personal tension between himself and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, following their recent disagreement during the vetting of a Supreme Court nominee.
The incident occurred on June 18 during the Appointments Committee’s vetting of Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, when Afenyo-Markin posed a question that Chairman Ahiafor deemed repetitive and procedurally inadmissible. Ahiafor directed the nominee not to respond, prompting a strong objection from Afenyo-Markin and a heated public exchange between the two.
Speaking about the incident in an interview on Friday, August 1, Afenyo-Markin said the clash should be seen as part of a broader adjustment process among the new parliamentary leadership.
“I think we are all adjusting. It’s the first time Ahiafor is serving as First Deputy Speaker, and it’s also my first time as Minority Leader. The same applies to Mahama Ayariga being Majority Leader,” he explained on Joy News.
He emphasised that such disagreements are natural in a democratic setting and should not be taken personally.
“I don’t take some of those issues personally. I can’t use something I disagree with to judge someone. I’m sure they also have issues with my approach. But we’ve had six months, and we’re getting used to each other,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that all parties involved are still learning and adjusting to their roles, and expressed optimism about improved collaboration moving forward.
“I am not here to fault anyone. We all make mistakes, and we’re all adjusting. I’m confident that by the end of the year, we will have fully understood each other so we can work better for the sake of democracy,” he stated.