Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has praised former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga for his candid and easygoing approach to political disagreements, saying his departure from Parliament’s leadership will be felt.
Mr Ayariga recently left the position of Majority Leader following his nomination as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. He has since been replaced as Majority Leader by James Agalga.
Reflecting on their working relationship despite belonging to opposing political parties, Mr Afenyo-Markin said Mr Ayariga’s willingness to openly express his views made him relatively easy to understand during parliamentary disagreements.
Speaking on Metro TV on Monday, August 10, the Effutu MP described Mr Ayariga as an “affable, easygoing character” and said he particularly valued his ability to disagree without allowing political differences to become personal.
“I miss him. He has his strengths. He has things that I like about him. You know, he’s an affable, easygoing character,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
According to the Minority Leader, Mr Ayariga was also straightforward about his positions, making it easy for him to anticipate how the former Majority Leader would respond to issues.
“Ayariga will not hide his feelings. At least I could easily predict him on what he likes and what he doesn’t like. And he doesn’t hold grudges. That is one strength I would miss,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin noted that Mr Ayariga would address disagreements directly rather than allow them to linger.
“If he’s not happy with you, he will call as a leader. This one, I’m not happy with you,” he recounted.
He acknowledged that their time leading the Minority and Majority sides respectively was occasionally marked by unexpected moves from both sides, as each sought to advance their party’s interests.
“There were times that he would surprise me. There were times that I also spring surprises on him. No politician likes surprises. But in the end, you are leading a side. You have a party interest to defend,” he said.
Despite the political rivalry between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Afenyo-Markin said the two leaders managed to maintain an effective working relationship.
“But all in all, I think we’ve worked well, and I wish him well in his new portfolio,” he added.
