L-R: Okyere Baafi, Jerry Shaib, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and Annoh-Dompreh
The chaotic and violent scenes that erupted in Parliament on January 30, 2025, have received wide condemnations from the general public.
The chaos began when the Minority side of the Appointments Committee objected to proceeding with the vetting of two more ministerial nominees — Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister of Health-designate — after five nominees had already been vetted on the day.
The disagreements escalated into violent altercations, with members from both sides of the committee engaging in heated verbal exchanges and nearly engaging in fisticuffs.
Videos available show some members of the committee who played leading roles in the violence, which resulted in the destruction of microphones and tables.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh:
The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, was visibly heard charging his side of the caucus to dismantle the tables in an attempt to prevent the vetting from continuing.
In viral videos, Frank Annoh-Dompreh was seen carrying and placing chairs onto the table in the vetting hall, an act that prompted boos from the Majority MPs.
Jerry Ahmed Shaib:
Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Weija Gbawe MP, was captured turning tables and engaging in exchanges with some Majority NDC MPs, playing a significant role in the chaos.
He was seen aggressively pushing a table, which was later reported broken.
Michael Okyere Baafi:
Michael Okyere Baafi, the New Juaben South MP, also exhibited violent behavior, engaging in a heated tussle with an NDC MP following the altercation.
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor:
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the South Dayi MP, participated in intense exchanges and was seen holding onto the dress of his colleague MP, Hassan Tampuli, during a particularly heated moment.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee Bernard Ahiafor has rendered an apology for the chaotic incident and vandalism from his members.
MAG/AE