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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the Minority’s decision to stage a protest during the vetting of ministerial nominees, arguing that the move was necessary due to the Majority’s refusal to allow room for dialogue.

The vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025, turned chaotic after disagreements arose over whether proceedings should continue beyond the agreed time. The tension culminated in a clash between Minority and Majority Members of Parliament (MPs), prompting Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to suspend four MPs—three from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and one from the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Following the suspension, the Minority MPs walked out in protest, leaving the Majority to proceed with the vetting of nominees, including Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. At the time, Afenyo-Markin had already subjected Ablakwa to extensive questioning for several hours before the disruptions escalated.

Minority’s Justification for Protest

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Afenyo-Markin provided clarity on the events that led to the Minority’s protest, insisting that their actions were not intended to disrupt proceedings but to register their displeasure over the Majority’s handling of the process.

“On Thursday, January 30, as per the practice, we had agreed to proceed to vet some four nominees. Originally, we were supposed to do three, but this changed to five. Around 10:00 p.m., we had indications from the Majority of their intent to continue the vetting of more nominees rather than the agreed number,” he explained.

He emphasized that the Minority was not given an opportunity to negotiate a way forward, which left them with no choice but to stage a protest.

“There was no room for us to discuss the way forward, which resulted in our decision as the Minority to protest. Our intention was to have a peaceful protest to express our displeasure at the excesses of our colleagues in the Majority,” he added.

Efforts to Restore Order in Parliament

Afenyo-Markin admitted that the protest escalated beyond expectations, leading to an intense standoff between both sides of the House. However, he assured Parliament that he is committed to working with the Speaker to restore decorum and maintain the integrity of parliamentary proceedings.

In response to appeals from both the Majority and Minority leaders, Speaker Bagbin ultimately lifted the suspension of the four MPs. His decision is seen as a step toward easing tensions in the House and ensuring smooth legislative business going forward.

Despite the resolution of this particular dispute, the broader issue of parliamentary discord remains. With the vetting of ministerial nominees still ongoing, political observers expect further debate and contention in the coming days.

This latest episode highlights the deepening divisions between the Majority and Minority in Parliament, raising concerns about the impact of political tensions on governance and national development.

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