ACEPA Demands Dissolution of Appointments Committee After Vetting Chaos.
The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has called on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, to dissolve the current Appointments Committee following the disruptions that marred the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025. ACEPA strongly condemned the disorderly conduct and urged Parliament to take swift action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
ACEPA Questions Committee’s Credibility
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, January 31, 2025, ACEPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Rasheed Draman, raised concerns about the credibility of the current Appointments Committee. He questioned whether the committee, in its current state, could fairly and impartially assess the ministerial nominees presented by President John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Draman suggested that the Speaker of Parliament review parliamentary rules and consider dissolving the committee. He argued that such a move would send a strong message about accountability and reinforce the need for discipline and professionalism in Parliament.
The disorder that prompted ACEPA’s call occurred during the vetting of Samuel Nartey George, the nominee for Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations. Tensions flared between the Minority and Majority members when the Minority proposed postponing the vetting session, citing concerns over the charged atmosphere. However, the Majority insisted on proceeding as scheduled, leading to heated exchanges.
The situation escalated into a physical altercation, with some Minority MPs damaging tables and microphones in an attempt to halt proceedings. Security personnel had to intervene, and the session was temporarily suspended to restore order.
The chaotic scenes during the vetting session have sparked widespread public criticism, with many questioning the professionalism of Ghana’s Parliament. The disruptions have renewed calls for parliamentary reforms to ensure that vetting processes are conducted in a fair, transparent, and orderly manner.
ACEPA’s call for a new Appointments Committee aligns with growing demands for accountability in Parliament. Many Ghanaians believe that decisive action is needed to restore confidence in the legislative process and prevent future incidents of misconduct.
As the Speaker of Parliament considers ACEPA’s recommendations, the nation watches closely to see how the leadership of Parliament will address the concerns raised and ensure that future vetting sessions are conducted with the dignity and decorum expected of Ghana’s legislature.
For more updates on Ghana’s political developments, visit mrwoode.com – your trusted news source.