Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has formally apologised to Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak and withdrawn comments he made during the delivery of the State of the Nation last week, which were perceived as damaging to the minister’s reputation.
Afenyo-Markin stated that his remarks were never intended to harm the minister or his ministry and admitted that they may have created a wrong impression.
“Contrary to the impression that I specifically made allegations against him, which injures his reputation, I would not do that to hurt him or his ministry. If the text of my concerns reflected so, it is hereby accordingly withdrawn,” he stated.
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Addressing the House on Wednesday, he emphasised that responsible leadership requires humility and accountability when statements are misunderstood.
“When a member feels strongly about a statement which is unintended, the right thing to do is to withdraw and apologise,” he added.
Afenyo-Markin assured the House that any future concerns relating to the Interior Ministry would be communicated through proper channels.
Responding to the apology, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak expressed deep concern over the initial allegations, describing them as painful and damaging.
He expressed his long-standing service and commitment to parliamentary leadership and mutual respect.
“I have served in leadership longer than anybody here, and I will be the last to thwart efforts to help run this House,” Muntaka noted.
Despite his disappointment, the minister said he had accepted the apology in good faith.
“Who am I to play God and say I will not accept it? I accept it wholeheartedly,” he stated.
Hon. Muntaka also appealed to the Speaker and leadership of the House to have the disputed remarks removed from official records.
He stressed that clearing the records would help restore trust and protect the integrity of the House.
“My only plea is that if it is possible to expound that from our records, that will be most useful, so that it is like it never existed,” he said.
Muntaka assured members that his ministry remains open to scrutiny and feedback.
“If there is anything that they think needs our attention, we will be more than happy to look at it and address it,” he said.
First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, who was presiding, directed the disparaging remarks to be expunged from the records.