Tensions boiled over in Parliament after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga sharply rebuked Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin over what he described as persistent and unwarranted attacks on Deputy Health Minister Grace Ayensu-Danquah.
The clash erupted during deliberations on the Governance Advisory Council Bill, 2025.
Dr Ayensu-Danquah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, had just moved a motion for the bill to be read a second time.
“I move that the Governance Advisory Council Bill, 2025 be now read a second time,” she told the House.
Her submission, however, drew an immediate and sharp response from Afenyo-Markin, who questioned both her delivery and grasp of parliamentary procedure.
“We want to understand what is happening in this chamber. Is this House no longer guided by procedure? What did the Deputy Minister just do? We don’t understand it,” he said.
He went on to criticise the manner in which the motion was presented, suggesting that if the Majority intended for her to lead the process, she should have been properly guided.
But Ayariga pushed back forcefully, accusing the Minority Leader of repeatedly targeting the Deputy Minister and calling for an end to what he described as a pattern of unfair criticism.
“This constant targeting of this particular Member of Parliament must stop,” he said. “At every opportunity, he goes after her.
Mr Speaker, what is the meaning of this? What has she done to him? If there is something we need to know, let us know. It is simply not fair.”
Despite the heated exchanges, Parliament proceeded to pass the Governance Advisory Council Bill, 2025.
The new legislation is expected to strengthen accountable governance by promoting institutional collaboration, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and providing strategic policy direction.
It also aims to support evidence-based decision-making, improve the tracking of governance performance, and deepen transparency and participatory democracy.