The Appointments Committee of Ghana’s Parliament has been thrown into turmoil following a chaotic vetting process that resulted in suspensions, allegations of partisanship, and concerns over due process.
At the center of the controversy are four key Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been suspended for their roles in the disorder: Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (Majority Chief Whip), Frank Annoh Dompreh (Minority Chief Whip), Jerry Ahmed-Shaib, and Alhassan Tampuli. Their suspension has sparked outrage from some, who describe the move as an overreach and an act of selective justice.
Tensions at the Vetting Process
The chaos erupted during the vetting of some ministerial nominees, with tempers flaring between some committee members. In videos making rounds on social media, some lawmakers engaged in physical altercations, lifting chairs and disrupting proceedings.
Speaker Criticizes Committee Leadership
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed deep disappointment over the disorder, stating that even members of Parliament themselves do not take the Appointments Committee seriously. He emphasized that respect must be earned. “even members themselves don’t take them (appointments committee) seriously. I think we need to, but before we ask for our pound of flesh, respect is earned.”
The Speaker further criticized the leadership of the Appointments Committee, questioning whether they were following the established rules for conducting public hearings on presidential nominees.
He argued that the recent chaos undermines the credibility of Parliament and called for an urgent review of the committee’s approach. “Please, appointments committee, we have crafted rules of how the appointments committee should conduct the business of public hearing. that is the term used-public hearings of nominees of the president. I’m not too sure there’s a reference to those rules in what I am witnessing myself,” he said.
Appointments Committee Offer Apology
The Chairman of the Appointments Committee has since issued an unqualified apology to the Speaker, leadership, and the public for the disorder. However, questions remain over his ability to maintain control of the committee’s proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader has been hailed as a “hero” for his efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore order. In contrast, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has made controversial allegations against the committee’s clerks, claiming they are aligned with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). This accusation has drawn widespread criticism, with many arguing that attacking parliamentary staff is inappropriate and risks deepening partisan divisions.
Appointments Committee’s Role and Powers
The Appointments Committee plays a crucial role in vetting and approving presidential nominees for key government positions, including ministers, deputy ministers, the Chief Justice, Supreme Court judges, the Special Prosecutor, and the Common Fund Administrator.
The committee has the authority, under Article 103 of the Constitution, to summon witnesses, examine them under oath, and compel the production of documents. However, recent events have raised concerns over whether the committee is fulfilling its mandate effectively.
Progress of the Vetting Process
President Mahama promised to appoint 60 ministers, with 36 vetted so far. The process is ongoing, with six ministers still awaiting vetting. One notable event from the vetting process was the appearance of Linda Ocloo, who completed her vetting in under 10 minutes. This has sparked debate over whether all nominees are being thoroughly scrutinized.
Worth noting is Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who is not a minister, but spent over 1 hour and 35 minutes before the committee due to bribery allegations leveled against them.
The controversy surrounding the Appointments Committee is not new. In 2017, MP Mahama Ayariga raised concerns about bribery within the vetting process, leading to the establishment of a special committee.
Now, in 2025, similar allegations have resurfaced, with Mawuse Oliver Barker-Vormawor making claims of bribery. As Parliament moves forward with the remaining vettings, Ghanaians are watching closely and are hopeful the Appointments Committee can restore order and credibility to its proceedings.
Read also: Rashid Pelpuo Addresses Labour Strikes and Graduate Employability During Vetting
