Deputy Health Minister-Designate Confronts Minority Leader Over Conditional Apology

Deputy Health Minister-designate, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, has clashed with the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, over what she described as a conditional and insufficient apology.

The confrontation occurred during her vetting, when Afenyo-Markin attempted to address controversial remarks he had made during a parliamentary debate the previous Friday.

At the time, he questioned the basis for Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s nomination, implying favoritism over other qualified female MPs—specifically referencing her NDC colleague, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.

Describing the comments as unfortunate, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah appeared unimpressed when Afenyo-Markin offered what many saw as a half-hearted apology: “If my remarks on the floor made you feel harassed, then I am sorry.”

The conditional nature of the apology—anchored by the word “if”—did not go unnoticed.

With calm authority reflecting her academic and professional stature, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah responded: “Technically, when you apologise, you don’t have to qualify it with an ‘if’.”

Her words resonated in the committee room with clarity and firmness.

Prompted by her correction, the Minority Leader revised his statement: “To the extent that you felt I had crossed the red line, I say to you I’m sorry. Is that fair?”

Prof. Ayensu-Danquah graciously accepted the rephrased apology, but offered a final, pointed reminder. When Afenyo-Markin tried to downplay the exchange by noting they had “patched up quickly,” she replied: “Once you apologise, you don’t have to keep going.”

Her composed and principled handling of the exchange has drawn praise from across the political spectrum, with many commending her for maintaining grace while setting firm boundaries.

Though a first-time legislator, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah has already demonstrated what principled leadership looks like: respectful, clear, and uncompromising on matters of dignity.

The vetting committee has yet to issue its final verdict on her nomination, but one thing is certain—Prof. Ayensu-Danquah has already made a strong impression as the kind of leader Ghana needs.

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