The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has pledged his support and collaboration to the newly-appointed Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to strengthen the democratic framework of Ghana.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, January 23, 2025, following Ayariga’s official appointment, Afenyo-Markin extended his congratulations to the new parliamentary leadership team and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a respectful and cooperative relationship between the Majority and Minority Caucuses.
“I want to congratulate the new team one more time and assure them that our side will treat them with respect. We will work together, beautify democracy, and assure the nation that although it is NDC and NPP, it is about systems and structures,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
Addressing Ayariga specifically, he reflected on their time serving together in the ECOWAS Parliament and praised the newly-appointed Majority Leader for his negotiation skills and commitment to peace. “You earned respect in the sub-region. In fact, Hon Ayariga, there is something I learnt from you, and I want to share: ‘You don’t mind how long it takes to negotiate to bring peace,’ and that has earned you a great deal of respect,” Afenyo-Markin noted.
He expressed optimism that Ayariga would continue to prioritize dialogue and consensus-building in his new role. “I believe that even as Majority Leader, you will not assume you have the numbers; you will continue with that skill. As a government leader, if you try to introduce more debates, government business will suffer.”
The changes in parliamentary leadership follow the elevation of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to the position of Minister of Finance. Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, now steps into the role of Majority Leader, succeeding Dr. Forson.
Other members of the new leadership team include Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, the Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, as Deputy Majority Leader, and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, representing South Dayi, as Majority Chief Whip. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, the MP for Ada, has been appointed First Deputy Whip, while Richard Acheampong, the MP for Bia East, assumes the role of Second Deputy Majority Whip.
