Afenyo-Markin Apologizes to Clerk of Appointments Committee Over Vetting Outburst - Onlinetimesgh

Afenyo-Markin Apologizes to Clerk of Appointments Committee Over Vetting Outburst

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has publicly apologized to Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, Clerk of the Appointments Committee, after making critical remarks against her during a heated ministerial vetting session.

Afenyo-Markin had earlier accused the Clerk of procedural lapses and bias, a move that fueled tensions between the Majority and Minority members of Parliament. His accusations led to calls from the Minority for her resignation, with opposition MPs alleging that she had compromised the neutrality of the vetting process by showing favoritism towards the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

However, during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that his reaction had been inappropriate and issued an unreserved apology following appeals from Adaklu MP and Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza.

A Public Apology

Addressing Parliament, Afenyo-Markin expressed deep regret for his comments and extended his apology not only to the Clerk but also to her family, colleagues, and all those affected by the controversy.

“Mr. Speaker, let me unreservedly say to the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, Mrs. Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, that I am sorry. Let me also extend my apologies to her husband—if my comments have in any way caused him distress, I sincerely regret that. To her children and extended family, I also apologize for any impact my words may have had,” he stated.

Recognizing that his remarks may have affected the Clerk’s professional and personal life, Afenyo-Markin went further to extend his apology to her entire professional network within the parliamentary service, as well as his fellow MPs who believed he could have managed the situation better.

“To all my colleagues in the parliamentary service, including those who felt I could have managed the matter differently, I say I am sorry,” he added.

Background to the Controversy

The incident stemmed from the contentious vetting of ministerial nominees, which had already been marred by political tensions. The Minority had accused the Clerk of procedural bias, claiming that she acted in a manner that favored the ruling NDC government. This led to heightened confrontations during the vetting session, prompting calls for her removal from her role.

While Afenyo-Markin was vocal in leading the charge against the Clerk, his apology appears to be an attempt to restore decorum in Parliament and move forward with legislative proceedings.

Unresolved Tensions Over Vetting of Ministers

Despite Afenyo-Markin’s apology, the controversy surrounding the vetting process remains unresolved. The Minority continues to oppose the approval of certain ministerial nominees, including Samuel Nartey George, who has been nominated as Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.

The Minority has raised concerns about George’s qualifications for the role and his previous stance on key policy matters in the telecommunications and digital sectors. His nomination is expected to be a major point of debate in the coming days as Parliament prepares to vote on the ministerial appointments.

Way Forward

Afenyo-Markin’s apology marks a significant step toward de-escalating tensions in Parliament. However, it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to mend relations between the Majority and Minority, especially as disputes over the ministerial vetting process continue to dominate discussions in the House.

Parliamentary observers note that while political disagreements are expected, maintaining professionalism and upholding the integrity of parliamentary procedures are crucial for ensuring effective governance and public trust in the legislature.

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