The Parliament of Ghana went haywire on January 30, 2025, during the vetting process for Ministerial nominees.
The disagreement between the Minority Caucus and the Majority centered around the scheduling of the vetting process for Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Health Minister and Foreign Minister designates, respectively.
Following hours of intense questioning of Sam George, the Minority suggested rescheduling the vetting for the other nominees to January 31, 2024.
However, the Majority insisted on proceeding, leading to heated arguments and the destruction of furniture and microphones.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga expressed disappointment in the parliamentarians' misconduct and announced a change in venue for subsequent vetting due to the damaged equipment.
"Because the machines can no longer function because they have been destroyed, we will look into the matter, and so we are adjourning to tomorrow at 9:00 am at the Speaker's conference Room.
He further added, "I can understand the passion and anger informing the decision to continue, even though today, you have done so well. Indeed, today you have scheduled to vet three people. You agreed among yourselves and made it four. Then you agreed among yourselves and then extended it to six. Unfortunately, the development now makes it difficult to continue and implement the agreement. So, I am pleading with you, bear with us. We are ending procedures, and tomorrow we will meet."
The One Ghana Movement condemned the destruction of public property and disorderly conduct, emphasizing that such actions undermine Ghana's democratic institutions and erode public trust.
The incident has sparked calls for stricter parliamentary conduct and reforms in Ghana's legislative processes. Dr. Jonathan Asante Otchere, a political analyst, criticized the minority's actions, emphasizing the need for discipline and decorum in parliamentary proceedings.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a former Majority Leader, also expressed concerns about the vetting process, arguing that it did not adhere to established parliamentary procedures.
By : Michelle Addiah-Hamilton