Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has criticised Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, accusing him of showing disrespect and repeatedly disrupting parliamentary business.
Addressing Parliament on November 13, 2025, after the presentation of the 2026 Budget, Ayariga said the Minority caucus, including its leader, had engaged in behaviour that violated parliamentary decorum and breached the House’s Standing Orders.
Citing Standing Order 126, he argued that the Minority’s actions amounted to disrespect toward the Speaker and the people of Ghana, adding that he had consequently filed a motion of contempt against Afenyo-Markin.
“Whilst we are addressing this House and facilitating the laying of papers, our friends oppose it; not only remaining on their feet, but also obstructing, disrespecting you, disrespecting the Chair, disrespecting the mace, and disrespecting the people of Ghana. Mr. Speaker, you may choose to tolerate that, but this side of the House will not tolerate it.”
He further demanded that Afenyo-Markin render an unqualified apology to the Speaker for what he described as misconduct and disrespect toward Alban Bagbin and Ghanaians.
Majority files motion for contempt of Parliament against Afenyo-Markin
“Mr Speaker, I demand that the Minority Leader now apologise to your good self for this gross misconduct and misbehaviour. Mr Speaker, if he does not, I will raise a question of contempt of Parliament and abuse of privilege and ask you to rule on it now,” he added.
He additionally noted that his side of the caucus would not sit aloof for the Minority Leader to disrupt parliamentary proceedings and undermine the Speaker.
According to Mahama Ayariga, the Minority Leader has no authority to repeatedly disregard parliamentary proceedings; therefore, Speaker Alban Bagbin should refer him to Parliament’s Privileges Committee.
“This House will not be abused by Honourable Afenyo-Markin. He is too small to abuse this mace. He is too small to disrespect the Speaker while all of us sit and watch you.
“I am raising the question of contempt of Parliament and breach of privilege, and I am asking you to rule on that matter. Refer all of them to the Privileges Committee,” he added.
