Ahiafor, Afenyo-Markin clash during vetting

The vetting of Supreme Court Justice nominee Hafisata Amaleboba turned tense when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor locked horns over a controversial question on presidential authority.

Afenyo-Markin challenged the nominee on whether President John Mahama overstepped constitutional boundaries by imposing financial penalties on ministers who failed to declare their assets.

Although Justice Amaleboba responded that the president’s actions did not override the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Minority Leader was not satisfied.

He insisted on rephrasing the question, pressing her to acknowledge potential constitutional conflicts. But Chairman Ahiafor cut in, ruling that the question had already been addressed and asking Afenyo-Markin to move on.

The exchange quickly escalated. A visibly upset Afenyo-Markin pushed back, accusing the chairman of trying to silence scrutiny.

He warned that the approach would have lasting consequences for parliamentary proceedings, suggesting it could set a dangerous precedent.

In response, Ahiafor refused to back down, asserting his authority as chair and defending the integrity of the vetting process.

“I’m a man with an indomitable spirit. I still rule that the question has been asked, the nominee will not answer this question again,” he declared.

The heated moment highlighted growing tensions within the committee, reflecting broader political divisions as Parliament scrutinises appointments to the nation’s highest court.