Ghana’s Parliament has once again been marred by chaos as members of the Appointments Committee engaged in violent clashes during the vetting of ministerial nominees on Thursday, January 30.
The disorder erupted following disagreements between the Minority and Majority over the continuation of proceedings past 10 PM, leading to destruction of state property and police intervention.
The violence erupted when the Majority pushed for the vetting to continue beyond 10 PM, a move the Minority vehemently opposed. The situation escalated as members of the Minority began overturning tables, causing microphones to break. The disruption forced police officers to step in and restore order.
Dafeamekpor 🤣 Whip ankasa
pic.twitter.com/T237FYCVr4— Akosua Journalist (@Iam_aJournalist) January 30, 2025
After 30 minutes of confusion, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and other parliamentary leaders intervened to pacify tempers. Due to the extensive damage to furniture and equipment, the session was adjourned and rescheduled for the following day.
If Citizens are been punished for destroying state properties, these governments officials must not be left out they need to face the law, this is unacceptable 🤦♂️
Legon Balthazar Appointments Committee Emefa Hardcastle Haruna Iddrisu Ablakwa Annor Dompreh Sam George Silly Dzata pic.twitter.com/KxPVtQpdfj— KOJO AB (@kojo_ab_) January 31, 2025
Mr. Ayariga expressed regret over the disruption and assured that MPs would conduct themselves more responsibly when proceedings resumed. “He announced that with the tables broken and microphones destroyed, sitting can’t continue, forcing the Committee to reschedule for tomorrow.”
Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin defended the Majority’s insistence on continuing the vetting, emphasizing that critical questions must be asked of the nominees.
“You are aware that some of the nominees, we don’t even ask them questions. Where we have to ask the relevant questions, we ask. Nothing will stop us from asking the necessary questions,” he asserted.
This latest parliamentary clash brings back memories of the heated 2022 debate over the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), where MPs engaged in physical altercations on the chamber floor. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about the conduct of Ghana’s legislators and the preservation of democratic integrity within Parliament.
The One Ghana Movement has condemned the incident, urging the Attorney-General to prosecute those responsible for vandalizing parliamentary property. The civil society organization described the acts of destruction as a blatant disregard for Ghana’s democratic values and called on the Speaker of Parliament and committee leadership to enforce discipline during proceedings.
“Ministerial vetting, as enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, is a crucial process designed to ensure that nominees for public office possess the necessary competence, integrity, and experience to serve in the public interest,” the statement from the One Ghana Movement read. “This process fosters transparency, safeguards national interests, upholds the principle of checks and balances, and strengthens public confidence in governance.”
