Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has praised the leadership style of former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, saying his directness and willingness to resolve disagreements personally made him one of the easier parliamentary leaders to work with across the political divide.
Mr Ayariga recently left the position of Majority Leader after being appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, with James Agalga taking over the parliamentary leadership role.
Speaking on Metro TV on Monday, August 10, 2026, the Effutu MP said he would miss Mr Ayariga’s candid and approachable nature despite the political differences between them.
“I miss him. He has his strengths. He has things that I like about him. He’s an affable, easygoing character,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
He explained that Mr Ayariga was always open about his views and did not allow political disagreements to become personal conflicts.
According to him, one of Mr Ayariga’s greatest strengths was his readiness to address issues directly whenever misunderstandings arose.
“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 the former Majority Leader would personally reach out whenever he was dissatisfied with a situation, rather than allow tensions to linger.
“If he’s not happy with you, he will call as a leader. This one, I’m not happy with you,” he recalled.
The Minority Leader also acknowledged that their parliamentary interactions were not always smooth, as both leaders occasionally surprised each other during legislative proceedings.
“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.
He said that although they belonged to opposing political parties, they were able to maintain a functional working relationship in Parliament built on mutual respect and open communication.
