Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga has issued a scathing critique of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, accusing him of shirking his responsibilities during the vetting of Linda Ocloo, the nominee for Greater Accra Regional Minister.
Speaking on February 5, 2025, Ayariga expressed his displeasure over Afenyo-Markin’s public admission that he had been persuaded to go easy on Ocloo during her vetting. He described the Minority Leader’s actions as a grave dereliction of duty and called for accountability.
“As a Minority Leader, your role is to uphold the principles of diligence and fairness during such critical processes. For him to openly admit that he was begged not to do his work and then fail to deliver is unacceptable,” Ayariga stated emphatically.
A Six-Minute Vetting Sparks Concerns
The controversy centers around the unusually brief vetting session, which lasted just six minutes—an anomaly for such an important process. The session raised eyebrows, with critics questioning whether political influence had overridden the committee’s mandate to thoroughly assess Ocloo’s suitability for the position.
Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, later disclosed that the decision to streamline the vetting was influenced by lobbying efforts from high-profile figures. Chiefs and former Greater Accra Regional Ministers, including Henry Quartey, Titus Glover, and Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, reportedly intervened, urging a smooth approval for Ocloo.
While Ayariga acknowledged that lobbying is an inevitable aspect of politics, he cautioned against allowing such practices to compromise the integrity of the vetting process.
Importance of Vetting Highlighted
“The purpose of vetting is not just a formality. It is a vital process to assess a nominee’s qualifications, competence, and ability to communicate effectively,” Ayariga argued. “When we fail to uphold these standards, we risk appointing individuals who may not be adequately prepared for the roles entrusted to them.”
The incident has reignited a national debate about the integrity of Ghana’s vetting process for government appointees. Critics argue that undue political influence and lobbying have begun to erode the transparency and accountability that the process is meant to ensure.
As public concern mounts, some have called for a review of the vetting procedures to prevent future lapses and ensure that nominees are thoroughly scrutinized, regardless of political affiliations or external pressures.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
