Ayariga to Afenyo-Markin: You’re troublesome, but i enjoyed working with you

Mahama Ayariga, Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has spoken warmly about his relationship with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, despite the political rivalry that defined their time on opposite sides of Parliament.

During Ayariga’s vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Afenyo-Markin asked the former Majority Leader to describe him based on their experience working together.

Reflecting on their one-and-a-half years of parliamentary engagement, Ayariga said the experience allowed him to appreciate Afenyo-Markin beyond their political differences.

He described the Minority Leader as a man of integrity, honesty and candour, while expressing gratitude for the open and straightforward manner in which he dealt with him.

Ayariga also revealed that he genuinely valued Afenyo-Markin’s friendship, stressing that their political disagreements did not prevent them from maintaining a cordial personal relationship.

He further commended Afenyo-Markin’s determination in defending the Minority’s position, joking that the legislator was someone who never gave up—even when faced with setbacks.

Ayariga said he hoped his successor as Majority Leader would build a similarly constructive relationship with Afenyo-Markin and find common ground despite their political differences.