Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has blasted Habib Iddrisu, Deputy Minority Whip, over comments suggesting that angry tomato and onion sellers could have attacked Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson had he visited markets before the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.
Ayariga demanded that the Tolon MP withdraw his remarks and apologise.
The heated exchange occurred in Parliament during proceedings on the Business Statement as lawmakers prepared for the substantive debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review.
Also read: Angry tomato and onion sellers would’ve attacked Finance Minister if…. Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu
Habib Iddrisu had claimed that tomato and onion sellers were angry and waiting for the Finance Minister to visit the market.
He further suggested that Dr Ato Forson was fortunate not to have visited the market before appearing in Parliament to present the budget review.
He stated, “The Minister is very lucky that he didn’t go to the market before coming to this chamber. Probably he would have been attacked by the market women because they are very angry.”
Taking strong exception to the comments, Mahama Ayariga accused the Deputy Minority Whip of making irresponsible and reprehensible remarks.
“Mr Speaker, this level of irresponsibility cannot be allowed in this House. This level of irresponsible behaviour, reprehensible behaviour.”
The Majority Leader questioned Habib Iddrisu’s claim that the market women were waiting for the Finance Minister.
“How can you stand in this chamber and say that market women are planning to attack the Minister of Finance? That’s what you’ve said.”
“You have just said that if the Minister had gone to the market this morning, the women would have attacked him.”
He demanded that Habib Iddrisu retract the statement and apologise. “That’s very irresponsible. Very irresponsible of you as a Member of Parliament. You must withdraw that and apologise.”
“Please. Please. This is getting out of hand. This is irresponsible behaviour. This is a serious House. This is not a place where we come and joke like clowns.”
Ayariga challenges Habib Iddrisu over budget debate
The Majority Leader also took issue with comments by Habib Iddrisu suggesting that the Majority Caucus was not prepared to participate in the debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review.
Ayariga explained that the two sides of the House had reached an agreement at a parliamentary conclave to defer the start of the debate until Tuesday.
He said the original plan was to allow five MPs from each side to contribute to the debate but that Habib Iddrisu had appealed for the exercise to be postponed.
“You were there. You made a case why we should wait till Tuesday.”
Ayariga said he accepted the proposal, resulting in the decision to begin the substantive debate on Tuesday.
“And I decided to accept. Otherwise, the original plan was that we would take five here and take five there. And you pleaded and pleaded and pleaded that we should start on Tuesday.”
The Majority Leader consequently rejected any suggestion that members of the Majority were absent because they were unprepared for the debate.
“Then you come and stand here, and then you get up, and you say that this side didn’t want to debate. That’s why we haven’t shown up.”
He insisted that the Majority Caucus is ready to engage in the debate.
“They are here. They are ready. Let’s start.”
The exchange between Mahama Ayariga and Habib Iddrisu came amid preparations for the parliamentary debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, which is expected to provide an opportunity for the Minority to scrutinise the government’s economic policies and challenge aspects of the Finance Minister’s presentation.
The heated proceedings also prompted Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor to intervene and remind lawmakers about the need to maintain order and observe parliamentary procedure.
The controversy surrounding the comments is expected to remain part of the political discourse as Parliament prepares to commence the substantive debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review on Tuesday.