Vetting chaos was completely unnecessary, needless – Bernard Ahiafor

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Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has condemned the clash between Minority and Majority MPs on Thursday, January 30, ahead of the vetting of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh.

Describing the incident as unnecessary and unwarranted, Ahiafor dismissed the expectation that he should have intervened in the dispute.

“Whatever happened, I apologised the following day to Ghanaians, but it was needless, it was uncalled for. This is not the first time that parliament would be vetting nominees deep into the night, sometimes we close after 12:am, and after 1:00pm. We have experienced that in this particular country.

“So, why are we creating this impression as if that Thursday [January 30], was the day that we were going to vet nominees beyond 8pm, so it was plainly uncalled for.”

His comments come after four MPs were suspended on Friday, January 31, following chaotic scenes that led to the destruction of tables and microphones in Parliament.

Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV on Monday, February 3, Ahiafor questioned why he should be expected to involve himself in the fracas, emphasizing that such disruptions only undermine parliamentary proceedings.

“Why am I expected by Ghanaians to take part in the fight? I don’t see the need for the fight in the first place, let alone talk about separating.”

Speaker Alban Bagbin on January 31, 2025, following the violent confrontations during the vetting on Thursday, January 30, established a seven-member committee. Its mandate is to identify those responsible and recommend appropriate sanctions.

To facilitate public engagement, the committee has created a WhatsApp platform for information submissions.

The committee will conduct public hearings, providing individuals the opportunity to testify openly about the chaotic scenes that disrupted proceedings.

The committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, includes members Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, Abena Osei Asare, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, and Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng.

Speaker Bagbin has made it clear that no public funds will be used to repair damages caused by the altercations. Instead, MPs found guilty of misconduct will be surcharged for repair costs.

Meanwhile, four MPs are currently serving a two-week suspension due to their involvement in the chaos. The committee’s findings are expected to help restore decorum and accountability in Parliament.

By: Leticia Osei

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