The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised serious concerns about the ongoing vetting process of President John Mahama’s ministerial nominees.
Addressing the press, Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin speaking on behalf of the Minority expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as an attempt by the Majority to “force through some nominees and railroad them through a robust time process.”
They Minority stated that despite potential criticism from their party supporters, had chosen to cooperate with the Majority. He emphasized;
“To begin with, it is now a known fact that we have, at the risk of criticism from our own party and supporters, elected to expedite the vetting process for the new administration. We took this decision because we believe it is better for the president to have his ministers in place early rather than leave the ministries to civil servants to run.”
Minority in Parliament
He further explained that the Minority had waived the standard 14-day public notice period for memoranda submission on nominees, as per parliamentary convention. However, he alleged that the Majority had taken advantage of this cooperation to unfairly push through some nominees without proper scrutiny.
The Minority Leader accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of attempting to intimidate the Minority through the use of party thugs during the vetting process. He lamented;
“We are also beginning to observe a breakdown of security, law and order within the precincts of Parliament and especially last night at the committee room by some NDC thugs. These thugs were hired, organized, and brought in to come and intimidate the Minority.”
“But let me tell you, NDC, we are few, but we are a mighty few. We are firm in our conviction. We are determined, and we shall never surrender to their intimidation.”
Minority in Parliament
The Minority commended the police for their efforts in ensuring order and urged them to continue their work.
Disregard for Pre-set Agreements on Vetting Schedule
The Minority revealed that they had disregarded prior agreements on the number of nominees to be vetted per session. He noted;
“Yesterday [Thursday], there was an agreement to have only three nominees for the day. They later changed it to four. We agreed, and later they requested a fifth nominee. Only to realize that after the fifth nominee, the NDC had smuggled Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa into the committee room.”
“Their plan was to use their so-called super majority to intimidate us. The NDC must know here and now that they won an election. And that election they won, they are to govern together with us. We will not allow them to use their so-called majority to force their way. It won’t happen.”
Minority in Parliament
The Minority made it clear that they had no intention of boycotting proceedings but would rather stay in the chamber and resist any unfair tactics. They reassured Ghanaians that the Minority was committed to governance and would not obstruct government business.
Call for Enhanced Security in Parliament
They warned the NDC against allowing party supporters to invade Parliament, stating that it could set a dangerous precedent. He added;
‘’You bring your party foot soldiers here to cause confusion. If today, you’re unleashing them on us, tomorrow, when these boys are hungry and angry, they will come after you. It’s not a prophecy; it is a reality.”
Minority in Parliament
They urged the parliamentary service to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Minority members and to disapprove statements of unfair restrictions on minority Questioning during the vetting process.
The Minority Leader also expressed concern over what he perceived as an attempt to limit his questioning of nominees during the vetting process. He stated;
“We are fortified by the conventions of the House, which have provided ranking members of committees the opportunity to inquire deeply into every nominee of the President without limit to questions. Since 1993, ranking members have always been given an unlimited opportunity. Why is it that when it gets to Afenyo-Markin, the NDC would want to frustrate the process?”
Minority in Parliament
He defended his role in the vetting process, stating that his questioning had not been excessive.
The Minority Caucus has made it clear that it will not back down in the face of what it sees as attempts by the Majority to manipulate the vetting process.
The Minority caucus in Parliament reiterated its commitment to holding the government accountable while ensuring that Parliament remains a place of order and fairness.
READ ALSO; Media Urged to Resist Intimidation From Artist Fanbases
