Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga has openly criticised the leader of the New Patriotic Party’s Caucus in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, accusing him of prioritising his title over advancing government business in Parliament.
Mr Ayariga’s comments followed the majority caucus’s absence from a parliamentary session they themselves had requested, which led Speaker Alban Bagbin to adjourn the sitting in frustration.
Following the adjournment, Afenyo-Markin expressed dissatisfaction with Speaker Bagbin, accusing him of “supervising chaos” and alleging that the session had been convened without adequate planning.
He suggested that the Speaker’s approach was contributing to disorder within the parliamentary proceedings.
In response, Mr Ayariga countered Afenyo-Markin’s criticisms during an interview with Citi FM on Thursday, November 7.
Mr Ayariga argued that the Majority Leader’s focus on procedural disputes and issues like seating arrangements was diverting attention from Parliament’s substantive responsibilities, especially at a time when key national matters needed to be addressed.
Mr Ayariga maintained that Afenyo-Markin’s preoccupation with his position and related formalities was hindering the smooth functioning of parliamentary duties.
He called on the Efuttu MP to redirect his focus toward effectively advancing government business and addressing pressing issues for the benefit of Ghanaians.
“What has the business committee meeting got to do with who sits where in the chamber? I have consistently said that Afenyo Markin is not interested in the business of government. He is interested in his position as a Majority Leader.”
“If I am made a majority leader and an issue like what Afenyo-Markin is confronting arises, I will not care about where I sit. I will prioritise bringing the business of government to the house and getting members to discuss the business of the house.”
“All these issues about the majority, minority and the numbers and their related matters become relevant only when it comes to decision-making. But every other thing can be done irrespective of where you are sitting,” he stated.
