A photo collage of Afenyo-Markin, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings and Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on July 14, 2025, caused a stir in Parliament following comments he made about the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Professor Grace Ayensu-Danquah.
The Effutu MP, while making a submission, ordered Prof Ayensu to sit down, insisting she was out of order.
A visibly agitated Afenyo-Markin scolded the MP, arguing that as a new entrant in Parliament, she ought to conduct herself properly and not interrupt when a leader was speaking.
Afenyo-Markin further jabbed Prof Ayensu, questioning why she had been given a ministerial appointment in the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government when senior party figures, such as Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, had not been considered.
“My colleague, your name is not even on the list yet. We have only heard rumors that you will be facing the Appointments Committee, and this is what you choose to be doing?
“You came to meet Dr Zanetor here, and for some strange reason, it appears your name is being considered when even party stalwarts like Helen Ntoso are still waiting. And yet you want to be raising points of order while your leader is speaking?” Afenyo-Markin said.
Prof Ayensu, who is also the Deputy Minister of Health-designate, did not take kindly to the comments.
She described Afenyo-Markin’s remarks as offensive and discriminatory against women in Parliament.
Responding to the Speaker, she said, “Mr Speaker, there are only 14% of women in this House, and some of these statements are very discouraging. I was simply standing up, waiting to catch your eye, when I was attacked for no reason.
“Mr Speaker, it makes it very difficult for women to speak when we face veiled threats and passive-aggressive behavior. I respectfully request that part of the statement be expunged from the records because I was offended by it, having done nothing to deserve such treatment.”
Prof Ayensu emphasised that she had not provoked Afenyo-Markin in any way and urged Parliament to encourage a more inclusive and respectful environment for female MPs.
AM/KA
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