Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin the minority leader, had openly confronted the Clerk of the Committee, accusing her of bias and procedural lapses. His actions have since sparked widespread debate, with some questioning the conduct of parliamentary leaders and the integrity of the vetting process.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, Afenyo-Markin defended his actions, insisting that his frustrations stemmed from persistent difficulties in obtaining committee reports before they were presented on the floor. He alleged that the Clerk, whom he described as uncooperative and partisan, had repeatedly withheld crucial documents from the Minority side, delaying parliamentary business and fueling tensions between the two factions.
A History of Friction
Afenyo-Markin, revealed that he had faced similar challenges with the same Clerk when his party was in power. He recounted instances where she had refused to release reports until the Minority had reviewed them, a practice he claims disrupted government business. “I was once upon a time a majority leader. This same clerk to the Appointments Committee insists that until the minority sees a report, she would never ever sign. I ran through a lot of difficulties. There were times I would call her into my office [and] plead with her that the minority was being unreasonable and government business was delaying. She would say no,” he said.
Now in opposition, he argues that the Clerk’s actions continue to undermine parliamentary processes. “Let me say it in clear language, not that I’m mixing up and then, you know, you have to repeat my words. I’m saying that all the reports that we’ve been moving, I see them on the House floor.” he lamented.
He, however, commended the Majority leader at the time, Mahama Ayariga, for his previous roles in ensuring parliamentary diplomacy. “let me again, continuously commend Mahama Ayariga for….. leading real parliamentary diplomacy.”
Outburst and Fallout
Afenyo-Markin was seen raising his voice and openly confronting the Clerk. His outburst has drawn criticism, with some describing his actions as inappropriate and unbecoming of a parliamentary leader. Others, however, have defended him, arguing that his frustration reflects deeper systemic issues within the legislature.
Calls for Institutional Reforms
The incident has reignited calls for reforms in parliamentary procedures, particularly in the appointment and oversight of clerks. Some governance advocates argue that clerks must be held accountable to ensure impartiality, while others stress that MPs must maintain decorum, even in moments of frustration.
In response to the backlash, Afenyo-Markin hinted at an upcoming statement addressing the issue but stopped short of offering a direct apology. “I shouldn’t shy away from criticism. In this game, you have your good day and your bad day. You cannot have all good days.” he stated.
