Local Government Expert and Political Analyst Issaka Amon Kotei has expressed concern over the chaotic clash between the Minority and Majority during the vetting of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa by the parliamentary vetting committee.
Speaking with Nana Dogbey on Adekyɛ Mu Nsem, Mr. Amon Kotei described the incident as an unnecessary disruption to a process designed to evaluate the competence and suitability of nominees for their respective roles. According to him, the purpose of vetting is to critically assess nominees to ensure they are qualified and capable of excelling in their designated positions. He emphasized that such confrontations detract from the seriousness of the exercise.
“This isn’t Ghana’s first time conducting vetting. We’ve witnessed how past chairpersons, ranking members, and vice chairpersons have handled proceedings with decorum. However, this particular group seems to have turned the process into something else entirely,” he said.
He further noted that during the tenure of Joe Osei-Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, the vetting process was tightly controlled and orderly. In contrast, he believes current Chairman Bernard Ahiafor’s approach lacks assertiveness. “During the first two sittings, I observed a timid posture from him, thinking it would improve as the process progressed. But it appears to be his style,” Mr. Amon Kotei remarked.
He also criticized the unprecedented practice of granting the ranking member unlimited time for questioning, calling it a deviation from standard procedures. “This has never happened before. Such allowances create room for unnecessary tension and inefficiency,” he added.
Mr. Amon Kotei urged both sides of the committee to refocus on the core purpose of vetting, emphasizing the need for discipline and fairness to restore the dignity of the process.
Issaka Amon Kotei, a seasoned Local Government Expert and Political Analyst, has called for a more structured and criteria-based approach to selecting members of the parliamentary vetting committee. Speaking on Adekyɛ Mu Nsem with Nana Dogbey, he emphasized the need for clear guidelines to ensure that the vetting process achieves its intended purpose of assessing nominees comprehensively.
According to Mr. Amon Kotei, the vetting process should be anchored on specific criteria that guide the evaluation of nominees. He explained that these criteria should include an examination of the nominee’s financial records, educational qualifications, technical expertise, and relevant experience. “When we nominate someone for vetting, we need to scrutinize their background thoroughly. Are we checking their financial records? Are we evaluating their educational background? Have we reviewed their technical knowledge and prior achievements to determine if they are fit for the role?” he questioned.
He cautioned against allowing political biases to dominate the vetting process, noting that it often diverts attention from the core issues. “Political considerations seem to have taken center stage, overshadowing the real purpose of the exercise. This has nothing to do with the nominee’s ability to perform effectively in their designated role. Such distractions undermine the credibility of the process,” he said.
Mr. Amon Kotei also criticized what he described as a “boycott-like style” in the current vetting process, which he believes hampers its effectiveness. He urged committee members to adopt a professional and objective approach to ensure nominees are evaluated on their merits rather than through the lens of political affiliations.
He concluded by calling for reforms in the vetting process, stressing the importance of discipline and focus. “If we want to maintain the integrity of our vetting system, we must ensure that the committee operates within a framework that prioritizes competence, transparency, and fairness,” he stated.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
