The success of any government depends on the competence of its ministers, who are responsible for leading key sectors, shaping policies, and driving national progress.
Without a thorough vetting process, the risk of appointing unsuitable individuals rises, potentially weakening governance and eroding public trust.
Accordingly, the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has expressed concern over the current vetting process for ministerial nominees.
Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of ACEPA, criticized Members of Parliament’s behavior from both the NDC and NPP sides, noting their failure to question nominees on critical national issues effectively.
He called for a review of the Appointments Committee’s procedures.
“I think this process has been very unsatisfactory. There is a need for some serious rethinking about how the Appointments Committee conducts its business. We see, first of all, Members of Parliament, particularly those from the Minority, missing a very important opportunity to exact accountability from nominees.
“They focus on trivial issues, issues that are not speaking to the competence, the integrity, and the fit of the person to the ministry or department that he or she is going to”.
Dr. Rasheed Draman
Dr. Draman further highlighted concerns regarding the approach of the Majority members during the vetting process.
He remarked that it seemed to have been reduced to a “friendly match,” implying a lack of seriousness in their scrutiny.
While acknowledging that the nominees are their party colleagues, he stressed the importance of maintaining a professional and rigorous standard.
Dr. Draman emphasized that the vetting process should not be treated as a formality or a partisan exercise but as a critical responsibility to ensure that only the most qualified and capable individuals are appointed.
He called for a more serious and impartial approach, underscoring the need for Parliament to prioritize national interest over party loyalty as it is essential for national development.
NPP Conduct at Vetting Criticized, Committee Chair Praised
Meanwhile, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a lawyer and political activist, criticized the conduct of the NPP Minority members during the Appointment Committee proceedings.
He expressed disappointment with their behavior, suggesting that it lacked the decorum and seriousness expected in such an important process.
Barker-Vormawor contrasted this with his praise for the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, commending him for maintaining his composure and professionalism.
Despite facing what he described as “grave immaturity and tantrums” from some members, Hon. Ahiafor, according to Barker-Vormawor, managed to uphold his dignity and steer the proceedings with a steady hand.
This balance of critique and commendation highlights the need for decorum and seriousness from all members involved in the vetting process to ensure that it remains credible and focused on the national interest.
“May God grant us all the serenity and maturity of Ahiafor Bernard. To those of you saying he is weak for refusing to engage Afenyo-Markins in his temper tantrums, what would you have him do? Engage him in a fistfight outside?”
Meanwhile, Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Vormawor further emphasized that true strength is not found in loud or aggressive displays but in patience and deliberate action.
He pointed to the leadership style of Bernard Ahiafor, the Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, as a prime example of this principle.
According to Vormawor, Ahiafor’s calm and measured approach during the committee proceedings exemplifies the kind of strength that fosters respect and effective governance.
Accordingly, he also stressed that a robust vetting process is essential for the selection of effective ministers.
A good and effective vetting process is a critical step towards ensuring that those entrusted with public office are capable, ethical, dedicated to the nation’s progress, and free from conflicts of interest.
Without it, the risk of ineffective governance, poor decision-making, and eroded public confidence remains dangerously high.
