The recent clash between the Majority and Minority members of Ghana’s Parliament’s Appointments Committee has sparked a controversy, centering on accusations of partisanship against the Clerk of the Committee, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, a prominent member of the Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP), publicly accused Jiagge-Gobah of bias towards the Majority National Democratic Congress (NDC), an allegation he reiterated across multiple media platforms. This public outburst has drawn sharp criticism from the Majority side, particularly from the Committee’s Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor.
Ahiafor, representing the Adaklu constituency, condemned Afenyo-Markin’s actions as “reckless, needless, and uncalled for,” emphasizing the impropriety of such behavior from a Member of Parliament. He stressed the severity of the accusations and the potential damage they could inflict on the Clerk’s reputation and the integrity of the Appointments Committee. Ahiafor argued that such public attacks undermine the trust and confidence placed in the committee’s neutrality and its ability to conduct its duties impartially.
The Chairman further indicated that the matter is far from resolved and that Afenyo-Markin’s conduct may be referred to the Privileges Committee, a parliamentary body responsible for addressing breaches of parliamentary rules and conduct. This referral could lead to significant repercussions for Afenyo-Markin, including potential sanctions or censures. Ahiafor has presented Afenyo-Markin with an opportunity to mitigate the situation by issuing an unconditional apology to the Clerk. This apology, according to Ahiafor, would demonstrate a recognition of the gravity of the accusations and a willingness to rectify the damage caused.
Should Afenyo-Markin fail to offer an apology, the Chairman insists on proceeding with the referral to the Privileges Committee. Ahiafor emphasized that upholding the rules and procedures of Parliament is paramount and that any breach of these rules, especially those concerning the conduct of Members of Parliament, must be addressed appropriately. This stance underlines the seriousness with which the Majority views the accusations and the importance they place on maintaining decorum and respect within the parliamentary process.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the Majority and Minority parties within the Ghanaian parliament. The accusation of bias against the Clerk adds another layer to the already complex political landscape, potentially impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the Appointments Committee. The committee plays a crucial role in vetting and approving presidential appointees, and any disruption to its operations could have broader implications for governance and the functioning of the state.
The outcome of this situation carries significant weight, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader political climate in Ghana. Afenyo-Markin’s decision to apologize or face the Privileges Committee will undoubtedly set a precedent for future interactions between the Majority and Minority, influencing the level of decorum and respect maintained within the parliamentary process. The public nature of this dispute further underscores the need for a swift and decisive resolution to minimize any further damage to the reputation of Parliament and its members. The focus now remains on Afenyo-Markin’s response and the subsequent actions of the Appointments Committee.
