By: Ashiadey Dotse
The Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has warned that the Minority Leader Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin could be sent to the Privileges Committee if he does not apologise to the Clerk of the Committee.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin, who is the Minority Leader, was caught on live television accusing the Clerk, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, of being biased in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He repeated these claims in press conferences and interviews. His comments reportedly led to a heated argument among Committee members, forcing the vetting process to be suspended.
Following the chaos, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended four MPs and asked the Clerk to file a complaint with the police.
In an interview on PM Express, Mr Bernard Ahiafor described Mr Afenyo-Markin’s actions as reckless and unnecessary. He insisted that no Member of Parliament should behave in such a manner.
Ahiafor said Afenyo-Markin has a chance to apologise to the Clerk. If he does, the matter will be settled. However, if he refuses, the case will go to the Privileges Committee, where he could face disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has defended the Minority Leader Mr. Afenyo-Markin, accusing Speaker Alban Bagbin of being unfair by suspending three of their MPs. The party believes the decision undermines their role in holding the government accountable.
Despite the controversy, Parliament’s Appointments Committee is expected to resume its vetting of deputy ministerial nominees soon.
President John Mahama is set to announce the nominees in the coming days.
