Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on Friday,July 25 publicly apologized to Deputy Health Minister-designate Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah over remarks he made during a recent parliamentary debate that drew swift backlash from colleagues and the public.
The apology, delivered during Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, came in response to comments by Mr. Afenyo-Markin that questioned the rationale behind her nomination. In earlier remarks, the Minority Leader appeared to suggest that Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s selection was based on “strange reasons,” implying favoritism over other qualified female legislators, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.
Critics described the comments as dismissive and undermining to women in politics, prompting calls for a formal retraction.
“I want to say to you that to the extent that, as a colleague, we play, we relate very formally and informally—and at that moment, unbeknownst to me, you felt I had crossed the red line—I say to you, I’m sorry. Is that fair?” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said during the session.
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah accepted the apology, acknowledging the gesture as an important step toward reconciliation.
“That is fair, and I’m very appreciative that you have taken this opportunity to apologise,” she said. “And I hope that moving forward, we will have a better relationship. I’m very grateful and humbled.”
The exchange appeared to ease tensions that had emerged in the wake of the controversy and comes amid broader national discussions about gender equity and representation in Ghana’s political sphere.
