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Drama erupted during the vetting of Attorney General-designate Dr. Dominic Ayine on Monday, January 13, 2025, when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin staged a walkout, accusing the committee chairman of bias.
The incident occurred before Parliament’s Appointments Committee after Suame MP John Darko questioned Dr. Ayine about a potential conflict of interest linked to his law firm.
Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor ruled the question out of order, noting that the nominee had already addressed the matter. However, Mr. Darko insisted on revisiting the issue, sparking a tense exchange.
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Mr. Darko accused the chairman of suppressing his questions, while the minority leader, Mr. Afenyo-Markin, expressed frustration over what he described as a pattern of unfair treatment toward members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“Chairman, with the greatest respect, I have consistently observed the way you go at my members, especially the young ones, the new ones; it’s not the right way,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said. “I’ve been quietly watching, and I will just be pinching you, ‘Mr. Chairman.’ Please take it easy. Take it easy, but the way it is going, it is not too right.”
When the chairman stood by his decision, refusing to reconsider, tensions escalated. In protest, Mr. Afenyo-Markin walked out of the session, followed by several other NPP committee members.
The walkout disrupted proceedings and raised questions about the neutrality of the vetting process. Critics have called for improved decorum and impartiality in the committee’s work to ensure a fair evaluation of nominees.
The incident highlights deepening tensions between the majority and minority caucuses, with accusations of bias potentially affecting collaboration on critical parliamentary duties.
Despite the walkout, the vetting continued, with Dr. Ayine addressing other questions posed by committee members.
