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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ningo Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, has strongly condemned what he describes as a “despicable” attack on the Clerk to the Appointments Committee, Gifty Jiagge Gobah, by the committee’s Ranking Member, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.
Sam George took to social media on Sunday, February 2, 2025, to denounce Afenyo-Markin’s accusations against the clerk, labelling them as shameful and misogynistic.
The controversy erupted on Thursday, January 30, 2025, when minority MPs on the committee accused Gobah of bias, alleging that she was working in favour of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to sideline the minority in the vetting process.
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A heated altercation ensued during the vetting of ministerial nominees, culminating in Afenyo-Markin allegedly referring to Gobah as an “NDC clerk.” The situation escalated further the following day, January 31, when the minority MPs disrupted the vetting session for Health Minister-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, berating the clerk for proceeding with the process without them.
The chaos resulted in the destruction of microphones and tables in the committee room.
The minority caucus claims that under previous parliaments, when the NDC was in the minority, the same clerk ensured they received committee reports before they were signed, but she is now treating the New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority differently.
Reacting to the developments, Sam George stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account that Afenyo-Markin’s treatment of Gobah was not only unbefitting of a parliamentary leader but also an attack on the integrity of the office of the clerk.
“I am appalled at the despicable behaviour of @AfenyoMarkin towards Madam Gifty Jiagge Gobah. This shameful behaviour is unbecoming of a leader of the august House. I am absolutely certain he would not have dared to do this to a male clerk of Parliament,” he posted.
The Communications Minister-designate called on the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, to formally raise the issue with Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
He emphasised that Parliament, as an institution that recently passed the Affirmative Action Law, must not allow such conduct to go unchecked.
Sam George further urged the public and fellow lawmakers to condemn the act and offer support to Gobah. In a message of encouragement, he praised the clerk’s professionalism in handling the situation, stating, “Madam Gifty Jiagge Gobah, I and many more decent people stand with you. Be encouraged and stand strong with your head held high. Your poise and composure even when you were under the barrage of insults is remarkable. Such a role model for our daughters.”
The incident has sparked broader discussions about decorum in Parliament, with many calling for accountability among lawmakers to ensure respect for parliamentary staff. As the controversy unfolds, attention will be on Speaker Bagbin’s response and any further actions Parliament may take to address the situation.
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