Ranking Member of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has rendered an apology to the wife of Foreign Affairs Minister nominee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following remarks made during a press conference on Friday, January 31.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, who addressed the media ahead of Friday’s vetting, had commented on the chaos that erupted during the previous day’s proceedings.

When Mr Ablakwa took his seat before the committee, he expressed concerns about the impact of some of the Majority Leader’s remarks on his wife, as well as the traditional leaders and ambassadors who showed up to support him.

In response, Mr Afenyo-Markin issued an apology, acknowledging that his press conference may have caused distress.

“You took the leave of chairman to make some preliminary observation, largely on my press conference. You referred to how you felt about it and your wife, I think, Chairman, largely addressed the issue in another way, which was acceptable. We were having our own challenges…” he said.

“…Let me unconditionally apologize your wife for how my press conference came about and how she felt about it. I will feel bad if somebody said something about my own wife.”

He further extended his apology to Mr Ablakwa, emphasising that he had no intention of running him down.

"I'm sorry to your dear wife and how my press conference was carried out and how you felt... I also say sorry to you. I have utmost respect for you, I’ll be the last person to run you down. And I'm sorry for your wife one more time.”