A disagreement between Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor and Ranking Member Alexander Afenyo-Markin disrupted the vetting of Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice-designate, Srem-Sai, after the latter insisted the nominee perform a traditional dance.
The clash began when Afenyo-Markin asked Srem-Sai to demonstrate the Agbadza dance, a cultural performance associated with the Ewe people. The nominee, however, clarified that his traditional dances were Akpi and Borborbor. Afenyo-Markin, eager to see the demonstration, urged him to briefly perform Akpi.
Ahiafor immediately intervened, dismissing the request. “Honourable nominee, the question is overruled,” he stated firmly.
Unhappy with the ruling, Afenyo-Markin accused the Chairman of being arbitrary. “Chairman, if you decide to be whimsical and capricious, it will not advance the work of this committee,” he remarked, adding that the moment could have been an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s diverse cultural heritage.
Ahiafor demanded a retraction, but Afenyo-Markin stood his ground, asserting, “You rudely overruled me.”
With tensions rising, Ahiafor exercised his authority to prevent Afenyo-Markin from posing further questions and proceeded to discharge the nominee.
The heated exchange prompted the Minority Caucus to stage a walkout in protest, rejecting Srem-Sai’s nomination along with those of Deputy Roads Minister-designate Alhassan Suhuyini and Deputy Lands Minister-designate Yussif Sulemana.
Before leaving, Afenyo-Markin signaled the possibility of further action. “On Friday, God willing, we will be available, and if the posture remains the same, we will advise ourselves on the next line of action,” he declared.
Despite the absence of the Minority, Ahiafor continued with the vetting process.
Appointments Committee Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor Esq., stops Hon.Alexander kwamena Afenyo-Markin from asking further questions after he refused to withdraw the words ‘whimsical & capricious and rudely’ he used to describe the Chairman#DeputyMinisterialNomineeVetting#Politics pic.twitter.com/p9hFO78PmA
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) February 26, 2025
