The Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has strongly criticized the disruptive actions of Members of Parliament during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Four MPs were suspended on Friday, January 31, after chaos erupted, leading to the destruction of tables and microphones. The Minority had resisted further vetting, while the Majority proceeded after exhausting the initial schedule for the day.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Ahiafor described the MPs’ conduct as completely unnecessary.
“Whatever happened, I apologised the following day to Ghanaians, but it was needless, it was uncalled for. This is not the first time that Parliament would be vetting nominees deep into the night. Sometimes we close after 12 a.m., and even after 1 a.m. We have experienced that in this country,” he stated.
He questioned why the situation was being portrayed as unprecedented, emphasizing, “So, why are we creating this impression as if that Thursday [January 30] was the first time we were going to vet nominees beyond 8 o’clock? It was plainly uncalled for.”
Ahiafor explained that a backlog of nominees needed to be cleared, prompting an agreement to extend the vetting session.
Following the violent clashes, Speaker Alban Bagbin established a seven-member committee on January 31, 2025, to identify those responsible and recommend appropriate sanctions. To facilitate public engagement, the committee has created a WhatsApp platform for individuals to submit information.
The committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, includes Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, Abena Osei Asare, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, and Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng. Public hearings will be conducted to allow witnesses to testify openly about the disruptions.
Speaker Bagbin has made it clear that no public funds will be used to repair damages caused by the altercations. Instead, MPs found guilty of misconduct will be surcharged for the cost of repairs.
Meanwhile, the four suspended MPs are serving a two-week suspension as the committee works to restore decorum and accountability in Parliament.
Vetting Ministerial nominees not only based on questions – Ahiafor
