Appointments Committee Chair explains ‘disorderliness’ during last week’s vetting

First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and chairman of the appointments committee, Bernard Ahiafor has opened up on the reasons which caused a ‘disorderly’ vetting of the first three ministerial nominees of President John Mahama.

During the vetting of the Ministers-designate; Dr. Ato Forson, Dr. Dominic Ayine and John Jinapor, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin had heated exchange of words with Bernard Ahiafor as well as several interjections by both MPs during the process.

The process was also fraught with occurrences which created a seemingly disorderly vetting process to the public.

The Minority MPs further accused Bernard Ahiafor of being bias during the vetting process.

However, the Akasti South MP explained that the ‘disorderliness’ occurred because it was his first experience chairing the Appointment Committee to vet ministerial nominees although he had served on the committee on some occasions, not as a chairpersoHe added that new MPs who have been elected for the first time were also oblivious of the proceedings of the House, a situation he believes may have also contributed to the disorderliness of the proceedings.

“For me that was my very first-time experience as the chairman of the vetting committee. I have been part of the committee as a ranking member for constitutional, legal and parliamentary committees and the rules allow that the subject matter committee should join that was the only occasion I took part in the vetting committee so my very first experience as an MP though I am in my fourth term in Parliament.

“Certain occurrences demand that we should give the Minority leader some room to operate I may say that was the reason for which the vetting appears to be disorder.

“I observed that we have accommodated some fresh MPs who were then going through the orientation process so I wouldn’t blame them. They did not know the rudiment of the game in Parliament,” he stressed.

Speaking in an interview with Kemini Amanor on TV3’s Hot Issues, Mr. Ahiafor assured that upon reflection of the vetting of the first three nominees, a more improved vetting process would be carried out by the Committee henceforth.

“Going forward, Ghanaians will see more orderly vetting of minister nominees.

“That is how it was supposed to be. In life, going through something for the first time, maybe you wouldn’t like the way it was…I have gone through it the first time so the next time [it is going to be better],” he noted on January 19, 2025.

The next batch of ministerial nominees have been scheduled for vetting from Monday, January 20, 2025 through to Friday, January 24, 2025.