The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has called for tolerance and measured discourses in Ghana’s political landscape, emphasising the need for mutual respect despite ideological differences.

Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, he acknowledged that disagreements are an inherent part of politics.

He urged Members of Parliament to adopt a more respectful tone when engaging with one another.

“We may disagree, but that is the beauty of politics. We cannot always agree. Let’s disagree but be measured in the language we use even where we disagree,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Effutu also reflected on the imperfections of leadership, stating that no one, including him, is above mistakes.

He explained that the real test lies in one’s commitment to the national interest, irrespective of political affiliation.

“Mr Speaker, we are never perfect, we make mistakes. I make mistakes, but we should be committed to the national interest and know that today we may be to your left, tomorrow we may be to your right,” he noted.

Afenyo-Markin then pointed out the unique experiences of the country’s two dominant political parties under the Fourth Republic, noting that both have occupied the corridors of power and experienced life in opposition.

“Fortunately, the two political parties that have taken the stage in this fourth republican constitution have all tasted power and have tasted opposition. So, I think we must better understand this whole concept of patience and tolerance,” he added.

His calls for restraint come in the wake of chaos that erupted in Parliament on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

The House was briefly adjourned following a heated argument between the Minority and the Speaker’s chair over the refusal to allow a statement on the ongoing strike by the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA).

Tensions escalated when parliamentary marshals nearly removed the Ranking Member on the Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, from the Chamber.

Dr Afriye, visibly agitated, had risen to demand that Parliament address the nationwide strike, which has severely impacted healthcare delivery in the country.

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