A photo collage of Bernard Ahiafor (L) and Afenyo-Markin
The Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has stated that the Ranking Member, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, was fortunate not to have been cited for contempt following a dramatic exchange between the two during the vetting of the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice-Designate, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai.
Tensions flared when Afenyo-Markin requested that Dr. Srem-Sai demonstrate a traditional dance, arguing that the vetting process was also an opportunity to learn about Ghanaian culture.
However, Benard Ahiafor deemed the request inappropriate and overruled it, leading to a confrontation.
Afenyo-Markin, displeased with the decision, accused the Chairman of being whimsical and capricious in handling the proceedings.
In response, Ahiafor defended his ruling, asserting his authority and stressing that he would not allow the vetting room to become a dancing floor.
The disagreement escalated when Ahiafor asked Afenyo-Markin to retract his remarks. However, the Minority Leader refused, saying, “Chairman, I won’t withdraw. You rudely overruled me.”
“In Parliament, when un-parliamentary language is used, our rules require a withdrawal and, in some cases, an apology. He is even lucky that I did not cite him for contempt,” he stated.
Firmly asserting his authority, Ahiafor responded, “To demonstrate to you that I am the Chairman of this particular vetting committee, that may be your last question.”
The heated exchange ultimately disrupted the session, leading to its abrupt end.
JKB/SEA
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