Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has publicly apologised to Deputy Minister-Designate for Health, Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, for controversial comments he made in Parliament regarding her nomination.
The apology came during Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s vetting session before Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The contentious remarks were uttered by Mr Afenyo-Markin during a recent debate in the House, where he questioned the rationale behind Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s nomination.
His comments were widely interpreted as suggesting that her appointment was driven by “strange reasons, ”implying favouritism or undue influence over other qualified female Members of Parliament, particularly Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.
These remarks quickly drew widespread criticism from various quarters, including fellow legislators and the public, who viewed them as dismissive and undermining to the competence and achievements of women in Parliament.
The backlash underscored a broader sensitivity in Ghana’s political landscape regarding gender representation and merit-based appointments.
Seizing the opportunity presented by the vetting session, Mr Afenyo-Markin addressed Dr. Ayensu-Danquah directly.
“I want to say to you that to the extent that, as a colleague, we play, we relate very formally, in formal, 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?”
Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, in a show of graciousness, accepted the apology.
“That is fair, and I’m very appreciative that you have taken this opportunity to apologise. And I hope that moving forward, we will have a better relationship. And I’m very grateful and humbled. Thank you.”
Her acceptance defused what could have been a prolonged point of contention during her vetting.
The swiftness of Afenyo-Markin’s apology suggests an awareness of the significant public and parliamentary outcry his initial comments had generated.
The debate around Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s nomination and the ensuing apology also bring into focus the ongoing discussion about women in Ghanaian politics.
While there has been an increase in female representation in Parliament and ministerial positions over the years, calls for more substantive roles and recognition based purely on merit continue.
In the current Ghanaian Parliament, women constitute approximately 14.5% of MPs, a figure that, while improved from previous years, still falls short of international benchmarks and the 30% target often advocated by gender equality organisations.
The public discourse following Afenyo-Markin’s remarks underscored the importance of celebrating female achievement without undue scrutiny or implied undermining.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need for respect and decorum even amidst political differences.
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