adverts
The Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament and First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, has revealed that the minority caucus was under significant pressure before the chaotic ministerial vetting session on January 30, 2025.
Speaking before the Special Committee investigating the disruptions on February 5, Ahiafor acknowledged that external influences and internal frustrations contributed to the tense atmosphere in Parliament, which eventually led to the heated confrontation between the Majority and Minority sides.
“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,” Ahiafor stated.
adverts
The January 30 vetting session descended into chaos when the minority resisted the vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa for the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh as Minister for Health. The standoff escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the destruction of parliamentary furniture, including microphones and tables.
Despite attempts to mediate, the opposition caucus insisted on postponing the vetting, arguing that procedural concerns had not been addressed.
However, their calls were ignored, leading to heightened tensions and eventual clashes on the parliamentary floor.
Ahiafor noted that although discussions were held in an attempt to reach agreements, there were instances where the minority later disregarded these understandings due to mounting external pressure.
“Efforts were made to reach agreements, but at times, those agreements were later disregarded, contributing to the tensions,” he explained.
Following the chaotic scenes, four opposition MPs were suspended, prompting the minority caucus to stage a walkout. The majority proceeded with the vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa and other nominees on January 31 despite the absence of their counterparts.
The latest revelation by the Appointments Committee Chairman adds a new dimension to the ongoing discussions on parliamentary vetting procedures and the underlying political tensions that fuelled the disturbances. As Parliament seeks ways to prevent such incidents in the future, calls for reforms and greater transparency in the vetting process have intensified.
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
