A meeting of the Appointments Committee of Parliament erupted in disorder late on Thursday as tensions between Minority and Majority members intensified over the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The conflict began when the Minority suggested delaying the vetting until Friday, citing issues with the day’s discussions. However, the Majority dismissed the suggestion, insisting that the process should proceed as scheduled.
The disagreement quickly escalated, resulting in the destruction of tables and microphones during a struggle between some Members of Parliament. Security personnel were summoned to handle the increasing tension in the conference room.
The Minority stood their ground, claiming that an agreement had been made to vet only four nominees before taking a break. They insisted that no additional candidates should be evaluated beyond that point.
As both sides remained unyielding, the committee’s activities came to a halt, leaving proceedings gridlocked.
Reports indicate that the Minority aimed to defer the vetting of the Ministers-designate for Health and Foreign Affairs, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, until the next day.
As the tensions eased after around 30 minutes, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga announced that the damaged microphones made it challenging to continue with the vetting process.
He stated that the rescheduled vetting would occur in the Speaker’s Conference Room, a smaller location that might not be able to accommodate the public adequately. Ayariga also extended an apology on behalf of his colleagues for the regrettable incident.
In response, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin defended his party’s position, emphasizing that they would not be deterred from asking the “necessary questions” during the vetting process.
“You know some of the nominees don’t even receive questions from us. When relevant questions need to be posed, we will ask. Nothing will hinder us from addressing the necessary queries,” he remarked.
He then accused the Minority of trying to intimidate the Majority, stating, “The NDC is perpetually seeking to intimidate others. They always resort to bullying. They can label us a micro-minority. They can say whatever they choose. We have been cooperating with them.”
Mr. Afenyo-Markin also claimed that a preliminary agreement had been reached to vet three nominees, but the Minority subsequently tried to include more nominees without a mutual understanding.
“Today, we agreed to vet three. The committee is taking a partisan approach. Indeed, she aligns with them and then informs others to attend,” he said, without specifying any names.
He further accused the Clerk of the Appointments Committee of partisanship, alleging that she is supporting the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
