The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, appeared before the parliamentary Investigative Committee to testify on the chaotic events that disrupted the Ministerial vetting process on January 30, 2025.
In his testimony, Hon. Ablakwa described the incident as “despicable” and “traumatizing,” noting the hostilities and violence that erupted within the chamber. He recounted;
“We were traumatized, and I was really embarrassed as a Member of Parliament because I recall paramount chiefs asking me, ‘Is that what you people do here? What’s the meaning of that?’”
“There was one chief who told me he even feared for his life. Some of them had to quickly just escape because they didn’t know if the violence—the way tables were being carried and destruction going on—could escalate further. If some of these tables, microphones, or PA systems being destroyed could be thrown at them, they had to take flight.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Ablakwa raised concerns about whether these guests would be willing to honor future invitations to Parliament following the traumatic experience.
Baseless Accusations Over Vetting Chaos
“Instead of apologizing, the next day the [Minority] were holding press conferences saying that we had smuggled ourselves in. I mean, it was like adding insult to injury.”
“This is not the first time I’ve been invited for vetting. This is my third vetting. I have been vetted as Deputy Minister for Information and as Deputy Minister for Education. I do not fear vetting. I had nothing to worry about, nothing to fear because I believe that I have always discharged myself in public office with integrity and honor.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister of Foreign Affairs
When pressed by committee members to summarize what he saw inside the vetting chamber, Hon. Ablakwa provided a detailed account of the violence and disorder that ensued. He said;
“What I saw was a degeneration into violence, destruction of property. As soon as I entered, I was greeted with hostilities. It was clear to me that I was the target. They did not want to have me vetted that day.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister of Foreign Affairs
He pointed out the inconsistencies in the scheduling, noting that while his vetting had been delayed, others who were originally scheduled to appear after him were vetted ahead of him.
He further noted that despite claims that it was late and MPs were too tired to continue, they proceeded with other vetting’s but became hostile the moment he entered the room.
The Minority’s Role in the Chaos
Hon. Ablakwa identified key individuals who he said orchestrated the disorder, particularly the Minority Leader and the Minority Chief Whip. He recalled the threats made against the parliamentary clerk;
“I heard the Minority Leader actually threaten the clerk, Madam Gifty Jiagge Gobah, saying she dares not swear in Honorable Akandoh. He said, ‘If you do, you will see! You are a partisan clerk.’”
“The Chief Whip [Annoh Dompreh] was the commander-in-chief of the chaos and violence. He was directing them on what to do. ‘carry this’ and all of that. He really decided to be the leader of the mayhem after the Minority Leader had given the signals.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Ablakwa detailed the physical destruction that took place, including the forceful removal of the chairman’s table and microphone. He added;
” They pushed the chairman aside and completely undermined his authority. It was a clear attempt to disrupt the vetting process at all cost. Hon. Jerry came to stand in front of Hon. Akando, who was holding the Bible and ready to be sworn in, physically blocking the process.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister of Foreign Affairs
He added that at this point, many of the guests, including chiefs, began walking out of the room out of fear for their safety.
Hon. Ablakwa made it clear that ignoring a parliamentary summons was not an option for him, emphasizing the legal obligations attached to such an invitation.
He cited constitutional provisions that grant parliamentary committees the power of a High Court, making it legally binding for invitees to appear when summoned.
“Under Article 103 of the Constitution, when a parliamentary committee invites you, it is not a joke. You cannot, on your own volition, say that you will not attend. The Constitution is very clear—there are grave consequences if you do not appear.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister of Foreign Affairs
He also referenced Standing Order 212, which reinforces the authority of parliamentary committees to compel attendance.
Hon. Ablakwa concluded his testimony by reiterating his stance, stating;
“I was not smuggled. I had the basis to be there—an invitation letter, a schedule of how I would appear in an orderly manner, all signed by the clerk of the Appointments Committee. That is why I entered the room on that fateful night of January 30th.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister of Foreign Affairs
His testimony provided a detailed account of the hostilities, destruction, and threats that characterized the chaotic vetting session, reinforcing the need for accountability and decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
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