Monday’s Vetting of Ministers-designate in Parliament was characterized by some “drama” as Chairman of the Appointments Committee engaged in a heated back-and-forth with a colleague member of the committee.
Chairman of the committee, Joseph Osei Owusu prevented the Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini Tamale North MP from questioning Energy Minister-designate Boakye Agyarko on issues regarding a money laundering scandal at the Bank of Newyork during his stay there as a worker, indicating that it was a breach of regulations of the sitting.
Mr. Suhuyini was again interrupted when he tried to explain the rationale behind the question after Mr. Agyarko quizzed what the linkage was since the scandal in question had nothing to do with neither his bank branch nor his name.
Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu who is also a member on the committee added his voice following a comment made by Mr. Suhuyini doubting the credibility of Boakye Agyarko's claim to have worked with the Bank of New York. He maintained that it was a very offensive statement; one that questions the credibility of Mr. Agyarko.
"you said he is claiming that he worked at a particular location, if indeed he worked there, that seriously is questioning the integrity of the person and unless you have evidence to prove that he didn't work there, you cannot frame the question that way, clearly very offensive", he retorted.
The house was thrown in a frenzy momentarily with the back-and-forth with the Vice-Chairperson; Adwoa Sarfo who was clearly unhappy with the turn of events describing Mr. Suhuyini’s conduct as “rude”.
Order was however restored after the Chairman overruled his comments and motioned for the team to move on to questions from other members.