"She is a typical NDC member", Afenyo-Markin accuses Appointments Committee Clerk of bias

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised the Clerk of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, accusing her of showing political bias after a heated altercation between the Majority and Minority caucuses.

The clash occurred during the vetting process for Health Minister designate, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Speaking to the press, Afenyo-Markin directly called out Clerk Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, alleging that she was favouring the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“The nominees—where we have to ask them questions, we do. Nothing will stop us from asking the necessary questions. It’s not every nominee; some of their nominees spent five minutes. NDC is always up to intimidating people. They think that they must always bully," he stated

“We will not accept any bullying. They can call us micro-minority, they can say whatever they want to say. We have been cooperating with them. The Clerk to the Committee is a partisan clerk. She’s a typical NDC member, she agrees with them and she advertises and informs people to come. January 29, there was no agreement, no meeting, 10: pm she advertises,” he said.

The confrontation began when the Minority proposed postponing the vetting to Friday, citing concerns over the day’s proceedings. The Majority, however, strongly opposed the request, insisting the vetting should go ahead as planned.

The disagreement quickly spiralled into chaos, with Minority members disrupting the session by smashing tables and microphones in an effort to stop the proceedings.

Despite the turmoil, the Majority stood firm, arguing that the committee was sticking to its original schedule and that the vetting should continue as scheduled.

In response to the unrest, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga stepped in, suspending the vetting and officially rescheduling it for Friday, January 31.