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The Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has firmly cautioned Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against making comments that could be perceived as threatening.
The incident occurred during the committee’s first sitting on January 13, 2025, which was overshadowed by interjections and heated exchanges.
The tensions began when Afenyo-Markin criticised President John Mahama’s handling of the nomination process for his appointees. The minority leader objected to a letter informing Parliament of the nominations being authored by the president’s executive secretary, Dr. Callistus Mahama, rather than by the president himself.
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He labelled this procedural move as a breach of parliamentary rules, drawing criticism from some committee members, including Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga, who accused Afenyo-Markin of derailing the vetting process.
Ayarga argued that such grievances could have been aired through a press conference instead of disrupting the committee’s proceedings.
As the exchanges grew heated, Chairman Bernard Ahiafor stepped in, asking Afenyo-Markin to conclude his remarks to allow the vetting process to proceed.
This suggestion did not sit well with the minority leader, who referenced precedents where previous ranking members, including Speaker Alban Bagbin and Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu, had been allowed extended opening remarks.
“If you don’t want me to speak, let me know. Don’t start using words like ‘you may conclude.’ With the greatest respect, these interjections must stop,” Afenyo-Markin retorted.
Ahiafor, in turn, responded decisively, stating, “Honourable Minority Leader, you know the chairman is a man with an indomitable spirit. I would not be threatened.”
