Minority and Majority MPs Clash in Heated Vetting Session, Parliament Property Damaged

Tensions flared during a session of Ghana’s Appointments Committee on January 30, as members of the Minority and Majority caucuses clashed, leading to a physical brawl and damage to Parliament property.

The dispute centered around the vetting of nominees Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The disagreement began when the Minority MPs proposed rescheduling the vetting to January 31, citing concerns about the late timing of the session.

However, Majority MPs insisted on proceeding with the vetting as originally scheduled, even though it was already close to 10 PM.

The tension escalated quickly, and the situation turned physical as Minority MPs disrupted the session by breaking tables and damaging microphones.

Videos from the scene show the extent of the damage, including a broken table and a malfunctioning sound system.

Security was heightened in the conference room as the situation escalated.

By the morning of January 31, the damaged property had been replaced, and the Appointments Committee imposed stricter controls on the number of guests allowed into the venue for the vetting.

Political analyst Reindolph Afrifa-Oware criticized the MPs’ behavior, emphasizing that professionalism and decorum should be maintained, especially in such important proceedings.

“It’s crucial for MPs to maintain professionalism and respectful dialogue, particularly during vetting sessions that are key to the democratic process,” Afrifa-Oware said.

The clash also saw accusations from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who accused the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, of partisanship.

Afenyo-Markin claimed that the Clerk was favoring the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs. He also accused the NDC of using intimidation tactics to influence the proceedings, though he reassured that the Minority would continue to ask tough questions of the nominees.

The clash is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the Appointments Committee, which has faced accusations of bribery and other misconduct.

The situation is putting further strain on an already tense political atmosphere, with many calling for more civility and professionalism in Ghana’s parliamentary proceedings.