The vetting of the first three ministerial appointment nominees of President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, January 13, 2025, began with heated exchanges between some members of the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, in his opening remarks, criticised the nomination process used by President John Dramani Mahama.

He argued that, among other things, the process followed by the president did not adhere to the required procedures of Parliament.

The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, responded to Afenyo-Markin’s criticism of the president, stating that the Minority Leader's criticism was misguided.

He pointed out that the rules of the House are not always correct, as evidenced by recent Supreme Court judgments that nullified some of these rules.

Afenyo-Markin then requested the opportunity to conclude his statement, but the chairman of the Appointments Committee, 1st Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, asked him to wrap up his remarks.

This did not sit well with the Minority Leader, who became upset with the 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

“I have been on this Appointment Committee when the then Minority Leader spent 20 minutes presenting his opening remarks... If you don’t want me to speak, let me know. Don’t start using the words ‘you may conclude’. With the greatest respect, these interjections must stop,” he said.

Bernard Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, did not appreciate the tone of Afenyo-Markin and cautioned the Minority Leader, stating that he could not be intimidated.

“Honourable Minority Leader, you know the chairman is a man with an indomitable spirit. I would not be threatened,” the 1st Deputy Speaker said.

BAI/MA

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