Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, has once again clashed with the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during proceedings yesterday, February 17, 2026.
In a viral video shared on TikTok, the chash emitted after Afenyo-Markin was allowed to ask a supplementary question during the discussions about trade industries and the government-funded factories.
Afenyo-Markin making a submission in parliament, stated, “Are we going to manage publicly funded factories that have already shown experience, or are they completely new start-ups? From the explanation, it appears to me that the government is funding new ventures…”
The minority leader, before he could complete his remarks, was interjected by the Deputy Speaker, who was presiding over the matter in the house.
Bernard Ahiafor stated, “Please, Minority Leader, you are to ask a supplementary question, not to tell a story”.
Afenyo-Markin then responded, “Mr Speaker, with respect, you always want us to extend courtesy to you, but your words are harsh”.
“Mr Speaker, you don’t use such words on your leader. Let me return back that respect to you. Please, please… but the language from the chair might be such that we can all cooperate. I beg you.”
Afenyo-Markin eventually asked his question following the clash.
In related news, the Minority Leader in Parliament has said his focus is to hold the John Mahama-led government’s feet to the fire.
The minority leader stressed that he will hold the government accountable but will ensure he does not obstruct parliamentary business.
According to Afenyo-Markin, he carefully balanced his role between rigorous scrutiny and respect for parliamentary procedures.
He further stressed that what people described as being controversial in the chamber is due to his active engagements are guided by principle rather than personal interest.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Monday, February 16, 2026, “My focus has been to hold the government’s feet to the fire, at the same time not being obstructive. When you are in opposition, you must have it on the back of your mind that you have a day in government tomorrow.
“So I’m equally mindful not to push too much and personalise matters. Else if you come back in 2029, they will also make life difficult for you. You gauge the mood of the house, but you don’t deviate from your core duty of scrutinising,” he said.
Additionally, the minority leader speaking to GraphicOnline clarified the heated exchanges witnessed in Parliament.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the heated exchanges should not be mistaken for anger but rather are a way the MPs express their disagreements as part of the democratic process.
Speaking in a video shared by GraphicOnline on X on Thursday, January 1, 2026, he explained, “Don’t think that we are fighting. It is only our way of expressing disagreement. We are not at war in Parliament; we are only expressing our disagreements”.
“That’s why when there’s chaos, you see calmness the next day in Parliament. So, if you go and fight, you are fighting your own trouble, so don’t fight,” he emphasised.
Watch the video below:
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