Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, has warned that Minority MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin will be referred to the Privileges Committee if he does not issue a full and unreserved apology to the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah.
Afenyo-Markin, in an outburst captured on live television, accused Jiagge-Gobah of being partisan, alleging she was favoring the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He repeated these claims during several press conferences and media interviews, which led to heightened tensions within the committee. Reports suggest that his remarks sparked a brawl among committee members, ultimately halting the vetting process that day.
In response to the chaos, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended four MPs and instructed the Clerk to file a formal police complaint.
In an interview, Ahiafor condemned Afenyo-Markin’s attack on Jiagge-Gobah, calling it “very reckless, very needless, and uncalled for.” The Adaklu MP emphasized that Afenyo-Markin’s behavior was unacceptable for an MP and said the issue was far from resolved.
Ahiafor revealed that Afenyo-Markin’s actions would be reviewed by the Privileges Committee, with potential severe consequences if he refuses to apologize. He added, “Yes, he should join me in apologizing to the Clerk of the Committee. If he takes advantage of the opportunity, there will be no need to refer him to Privileges. But if he fails to do so, we will follow the rules, and whatever is applicable will be enforced.”
Afenyo-Markin will have the opportunity to apologize in the coming days. Should he decline, disciplinary procedures will be set in motion.
Despite the controversy, Afenyo-Markin has received strong support from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has criticized Speaker Bagbin for suspending three of their MPs. The NPP has labeled the Speaker’s actions as autocratic, claiming they undermine the party’s ability to hold the government accountable.
Meanwhile, the Appointments Committee is expected to reconvene soon for the vetting of deputy ministerial nominees, anticipated to be announced by President John Mahama in the coming days.
