The Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament and First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, has provided insight into the circumstances that led to the actions of the Minority during the chaotic ministerial vetting process.
Speaking on February 5 before the committee investigating the disruptions, Ahiafor acknowledged the frustrations faced by the Minority, which, at times, resulted in actions that negatively impacted the vetting process.
He further noted that while efforts were made to reach agreements with the Minority, there were instances where those agreements were later disregarded by them, contributing to the tensions in Parliament.
Ahiafor’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on how to improve parliamentary vetting procedures and ensure smoother engagements between the Majority and Minority caucuses.
“I must say that sometimes I see frustration on the part of the minority. Because sometimes there was some external pressure on them and that has resulted in them doing certain things, which ordinarily should not happen.”
The chaos on January 30, 2025, ensued when the minority resisted the vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. The standoff escalated into a physical clash between MPs, destroying tables and microphones.
Following the incident, four MPs were suspended, prompting the minority to walk out. This left the Majority to proceed with the vetting of Ablakwa and other nominees on January 31.
Notably, the clash occurred after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had already subjected Ablakwa to extensive questioning.
Voice of Bernard Ahiaor
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