Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin says he will miss the candid and easygoing nature of former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga following his appointment as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Reflecting on their time working together across the political divide, Mr Afenyo-Markin described Mr Ayariga as an “affable, easygoing character” whose willingness to speak his mind and avoid holding grudges helped sustain a productive working relationship despite their occasional disagreements.
Mr Ayariga was nominated as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, leaving the position of Majority Leader. He was subsequently replaced by James Agalga.
Speaking on Metro TV on Monday, August 10, 2026, the Effutu MP said he particularly valued Mr Ayariga’s straightforward approach to disagreements, noting that his views were rarely difficult to read.
“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 him, Mr Ayariga was predictable in his positions and did not allow political disagreements to develop into personal grudges.
“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 said Mr Ayariga would confront him directly whenever he was unhappy with an issue rather than allow tensions to fester.
“If he’s not happy with you, he will call as a leader. This one, I’m not happy with you,” he said.
The Minority Leader also acknowledged that their relationship was not without political surprises, with both men occasionally catching each other off guard in Parliament.
“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 representing opposing political parties, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the differences did not prevent the two from working effectively in Parliament.
“But all in all, I think we’ve worked well, and I wish him well in his new portfolio,” he said.
