Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin has spoken out about his recent exchange with Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during the latter’s vetting for the position of Foreign Minister. During an interview on The Probe with Emefa Apawu, Afenyo-Markin defended his business success and addressed allegations raised against him.
“I am not a tenant, I am a landlord. I am not someone who will buy a property and put it in another person’s name, and my wife does not take care of me—I do,” he stated on Joy News, responding to discussions stemming from his exchanges with Ablakwa.
The controversy emerged after Ablakwa, during his vetting, admitted to renting a property in Airport Hills. This led to widespread speculation, with some calling him “the richest tenant in the world.” Afenyo-Markin questioned how Ablakwa, who claimed his only source of income was his parliamentary salary of GHS 15,000, could afford to pay over $10,000 (GHS 152,000) in monthly rent.
Beyond the rent controversy, Afenyo-Markin reiterated his early business success, highlighting multimillion-dollar financial facilities he secured and his extensive work in logistics and supply chain operations across West Africa.
Addressing allegations regarding a land dispute, Afenyo-Markin refuted claims that his properties in Winneba were built on state lands. A fact that was later affirmed by Emefa Apawu per checks made by Joy News.
The interview, marked by a series of passionate exchanges, also shed light on his reluctance to take up positions earlier in the executive arm of government, citing his commitment to private business. “I want to go into government when I’m in my late fifties or sixties,” he stated.
