Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed disappointment over the chaotic scenes that marred the ministerial vetting process on Thursday, January 30.
Speaking before the investigative committee tasked with probing the disturbances, Mr. Ablakwa described the experience as both embarrassing and unnecessary.
“It was a regrettable experience. My visitors and I were taken aback by the level of hostility. It was completely unnecessary and uncalled for,” he stated.
According to the Foreign Minister, the tension escalated unexpectedly, disrupting proceedings and undermining the integrity of the vetting process. He recounted how members of the minority caucus directed aggression towards him and his guests, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere that detracted from the intended purpose of the session.
“Parliament is supposed to be a place of decorum and constructive engagement. What happened that night does not reflect the values we should uphold as representatives of the people,” Ablakwa lamented.
He further called on all parliamentary members to uphold professionalism and respect in their engagements to prevent similar incidents in the future. Emphasizing the need for corrective measures, he urged the investigative committee to put safeguards in place to ensure that Parliament remains a space for meaningful discourse rather than hostility.
“We must learn from this and ensure that Parliament remains a space for meaningful discourse, not chaos and intimidation,” he concluded.
He said, the vetting process, meant to be a platform for rigorous but respectful scrutiny of ministerial nominees, was overshadowed by the disturbances, raising concerns over the state of parliamentary decorum.
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Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has declared its decision to abstain from the work of the Special Committee established to investigate the disturbances that marred the ministerial vetting process on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The Minority’s stance is rooted in concerns over what they describe as the prejudicial conduct of the committee’s chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Bedzrah, Member of Parliament for Ho West. They argue that his handling of the proceedings compromises fairness and impartiality.
“We have written to Mr. Speaker. We know he is not available, but we will respect the office and authority of the Speaker, so we will await him to give a ruling on our letter,” a Minority representative stated.
The group further insisted that unless their concerns are addressed, they will not participate in what they describe as a “one-sided committee.”
“If the chairman still wants to proceed, we will not be part of a one-sided committee. Our members have withdrawn from proceedings because the chairman is prejudiced. He is prejudging the issue, and he is not a fair referee,” the Minority stated.
Despite the boycott, the Special Committee has proceeded with its mandate to probe the chaotic events that unfolded during the Appointments Committee sitting. The committee has begun a public hearing to gather testimonies from those present in the chamber on the night of the incident.
The committee is expected to submit its findings to the Speaker of Parliament within 10 days, after which further parliamentary action may be taken.
