Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has admitted full responsibility for the chaos that erupted in Parliament during the vetting of some government nominees on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Speaking on the Floor of Parliament on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Afenyo-Markin acknowledged that while the Minority’s actions contributed to the disruption, their intention was to stage a peaceful protest against what they viewed as procedural irregularities by the majority.
“Mr. Speaker, I take full responsibility as a leader on my side for all actions that took place,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He further assured the Speaker of Parliament and the public that such incidents would not recur.
“On behalf of my caucus, I want to assure the public that such an action will not be seen in the public space again,” he assured.
The Minority Leader expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with the Speake,r following the suspension.
“Mr. Speaker, there was no room for us to discuss the way forward, which resulted in our decision, as the Minority, to protest. Our intention was to have a peaceful protest to express our displeasure at the excesses of our colleagues in the majority,” he added.
The Member of Parliament of Effutu emphasised his commitment to constructive engagements.
“We believe in constructive criticism. We are not in any way in to disrupt government business, frustrate them, or undermine them,” he affirmed.
He also pointed out the Minority’s cooperative stance towards the government, noting, “Mr. Speaker, records will have it that this is the first time in the history of our democracy that the Minority has given the government such cooperation to the extent that nominees are getting their confirmation in record time.
“As a Speaker, we cannot take your power through discipline from you, but we believe that when this is tampered with, with assurance that the way forward will be better, you will be able to reinstate our colleagues who temporarily have been denied access to this chamber and the precincts of Parliament.”
The Speaker has since lifted the suspension of the four Members of Parliament (MPs) who were suspended after altercations during the vetting session on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
They are Frank Annoh-Dompreh (NPP), Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP; Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (NDC), South Dayi MP; Alhassan Tampuli (NPP), Gushegu MP; and Jerry Ahmed Shaib (NPP), Weija-Gbawe MP.
Meanwhile, a committee chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah has been established to investigate the events surrounding the vetting process.
The committee aims to bring transparency and clarity to the circumstances that led to the parliamentary chaos.
Meanwhile, watch as NPP MPs protest suspension of 3 caucus members by Speaker
VKB/AE