Speaker Investigates Vetting Chaos as Chair Blames Minority

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KEY POINTS

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• The Appointments Committee Chair blamed the Minority for the vetting chaos.
• The Speaker suspended four MPs but later lifted the suspension.
• A probe is underway to determine the cause of the disruption.

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The Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has blamed the Minority Caucus for the chaos that unfolded during the ministerial vetting session on January 30, 2025.

Speaking before the investigative committee probing the incident, Ahiafor said the disruptions led to damage to public property and created a hostile environment within Parliament.

The heated session resulted in Speaker Alban Bagbin suspending four Members of Parliament (MPs) and launching an investigation chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah. However, the suspensions were lifted a day before Ahiafor’s testimony.

According to Ahiafor, the vetting process had been planned and agreed upon by both sides, but the Minority later received instructions to disrupt proceedings.

He alleged that Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin played a key role in the disturbances by directing his members to interfere with the session.

Tensions escalate as cables pulled, microphones switched off

Ahiafor provided a detailed account of how the chaos unfolded. He claimed that while the committee had agreed on procedures, the Minority deviated from the plan.

“At some point, instructions were given to disrupt the process, and in no time, people started walking into the vetting room uninvited,” he stated.

According to Graphic Online, he also alleged that Afenyo-Markin ordered MPs to switch off microphones, further worsening the situation.

The session reached a boiling point when a comment in Twi triggered an angry response, leading to MPs pulling cables and creating a chaotic scene.

“Before I could realize, somebody said something in Twi, and suddenly, cables were being pulled, and there was total pandemonium,” Ahiafor recalled.

The Speaker had no choice but to suspend four MPs and set up a probe to investigate the events that led to the disruption.

Investigation underway as Parliament seeks order

The committee’s investigation aims to gather evidence, analyze the circumstances surrounding the chaos, and provide recommendations to Speaker Bagbin.

Official members from Parliament anticipate that the findings will yield better standards of conduct and stop future disturbances from happening to vital vetting operations.

The testimony of Ahiafor has escalated the blame competition between the Majority and Minority, who now accuse each other of strategic political actions.

The Speaker is expected to review the committee’s findings before determining the next course of action.

Ghanaians closely observe the evolving political tensions, as they desire both responsible and orderly conduct throughout parliamentary sessions.