Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has warned that the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, will be referred to the Privileges Committee if he fails to apologise unreservedly to the Clerk of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah.
Afenyo-Markin, in an outburst captured live on television, accused Jiagge-Gobah of being partisan and working in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). His remarks reiterated in multiple media interviews, reportedly sparked a brawl among committee members, forcing a halt to the vetting process that day.
In response, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended four MPs and directed the Clerk to lodge a formal complaint with the police. The move has been met with strong opposition from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has accused Bagbin of acting autocratically by suspending three of their MPs. The party argues that the decision undermines its ability to hold the government accountable.
Providing an update on the controversy during an interview on PM Express on Monday, Ahiafor described Afenyo-Markin’s attack on Jiagge-Gobah as “very reckless, very needless, and uncalled for.” He further stated that the matter is far from over.
“A Member of Parliament cannot behave in that manner,” the Akatsi South MP stressed, warning that Afenyo-Markin risks facing severe consequences if he does not apologise.
“Yes, he should join me in apologising to the Clerk of the Committee. If he takes advantage of the opportunity, there will be no need to refer him to Privileges. If he fails to do so, then we will follow the rules, and whatever is applicable will be enforced,” Ahiafor added.
In the coming days, Afenyo-Markin will have the chance to apologise and resolve the issue amicably. If he refuses, the disciplinary process will proceed.
Meanwhile, the Appointments Committee is set to reconvene soon for the vetting of deputy ministerial nominees, expected to be announced by President John Mahama.
