Speaker officially announces James Agalga as Majority Leader but Ayariga to continue occupying leader's seat

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has assured that his party will rigorously inspect the nomination of current Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga when he appears before the Appointments Committee. Ayariga has been nominated to become the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.

Speaking at the Parliament’s emergency recall sitting on August 24, 2026, Afenyo-Markin pledged to scrutinize Ayariga's nomination without prejudice. He emphasized that the nominee should demonstrate readiness to tackle the sanitation issues plaguing the nation if approved for the position. Afenyo-Markin expressed his anticipation of Ayariga's ability to confront the prevailing filth in the country's cities and towns, emphasizing that such an issue should not persist in government due to the failure to enact a sanitation policy.

Despite warning of a thorough examination, Afenyo-Markin maintained a friendly tone as he reminisced about his relationship with Ayariga. He expressed his personal sadness at Ayariga's impending departure and conveyed respect and appreciation for their friendship and their exchanges in the Parliament. Afenyo-Markin clarified that while the media occasionally misunderstood their interactions, both understood the nature of their relationship. He congratulated Ayariga on his nomination and wished him the best in his new role.