The Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has urged the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, to take swift and decisive action against those responsible for the chaotic scenes during the vetting of ministerial nominees on Thursday, January 30, 2025. PNAfrica emphasized that ensuring accountability is crucial to maintaining the dignity and integrity of parliamentary proceedings.
PNAfrica’s Strong Condemnation
PNAfrica, an organization dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and decorum in parliamentary processes, expressed grave disappointment over the physical altercations and heckling that marred the Appointments Committee session. In a strongly worded statement, the organization described the conduct of some Members of Parliament (MPs) as “shameful and dishonourable,” adding that such actions not only tarnish the image of Parliament but also undermine public trust in its ability to uphold democratic governance.
“Members of Parliament are expected to be paragons of decorum and professionalism. However, their disgraceful behaviour during the vetting process has eroded the principles of parliamentary oversight and democratic governance,” PNAfrica said.
A History of Disruptions
The organization reminded the public that this is not the first time such disgraceful conduct has been exhibited in the House. Similar incidents occurred during the election of the Speaker for the 8th Parliament and other key parliamentary sessions. Despite earlier petitions to Parliament by PNAfrica calling for measures to address such behaviour, no significant action has been taken to forestall a recurrence.
“This inaction has emboldened MPs to continue with these shameful displays, leaving a dark cloud over the sanctity of parliamentary proceedings,” the statement added.
Call to Action
PNAfrica called on Speaker Bagbin, renowned for his legislative expertise and leadership, to take immediate steps to restore order and discipline. “We urge the Speaker to hold those responsible for the chaos accountable. This will serve as a deterrent to future misconduct and uphold the dignity of Parliament,” PNAfrica asserted.
The Events at the Vetting Committee
Chaos erupted during the vetting of Health Minister-designate Kwabena Akandoh and Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Tensions flared as Minority MPs called for the process to be postponed to Friday, January 31, arguing that they needed more time for proper scrutiny. However, Majority MPs resisted, insisting that the vetting should continue late into the night. The disagreement escalated into a heated exchange, disrupting the session.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of bullying tactics, saying, “NDC always seeks to intimidate people. They think they must always have their way.”
He also alleged that the Clerk to the Appointments Committee acted unilaterally in advertising the vetting schedule without prior consultation. “The Clerk is clearly partisan. She aligns with the NDC and published the schedule without any prior agreement. On January 29, there was no meeting, yet she advertised the session at 10:00 pm,” he claimed.
Restoring Dignity to Parliament
The vetting chaos has reignited calls for institutional reforms to ensure that Parliament remains a bastion of democracy and accountability. PNAfrica’s statement underscores the urgent need for leadership that prioritizes professionalism and respect for parliamentary processes.
The nation now looks to Speaker Bagbin to enforce the necessary disciplinary measures and set a precedent that such incidents will no longer be tolerated.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
