Afenyo-Markin apologizes to Okudzeto Ablakwa and wife

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has rendered an unqualified apology to the Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his wife over comments made during a press conference regarding the vetting process.

His apology follows accusations from the Minority caucus on Friday, January 31, that the Majority side had secretly facilitated the vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa and Health Minister-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh without their knowledge.

During the press briefing, Afenyo-Markin alleged that Ablakwa was not originally scheduled for vetting on Thursday but had "smuggled himself in" with the assistance of his Majority colleagues.

He further claimed that Ablakwa’s wife was also “smuggled” into the vetting room—a statement Ablakwa later said deeply upset his wife.

However, in a conciliatory gesture during Ablakwa’s vetting session, Afenyo-Markin publicly expressed regret over his remarks, acknowledging their unintended impact.

“Let me unconditionally apologise to your wife for how my press statement came about and how she felt. I would feel bad if somebody said something about my own wife. It is fair because it is not an official matter," Afenyo-Markin stated.

“I am sorry to your wife, dear, and for how my press conference was carried. I also say sorry to you. I have the utmost respect for you, and I will be the last person to run you down. So, I am sorry, and I am sorry to your wife,” he added.

His apology has since been received as a rare moment of political humility in Ghana’s often intense parliamentary engagements.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith