The Minority in Parliament has boycotted the vetting of deputy ministerial nominees, rejecting the nomination of Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice-designate, Srem-Sai, along with Alhassan Suhuyini and Yussif Sulemana, Deputy Ministers-designate for Roads and Lands, respectively.
The walkout followed a heated exchange between Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor and Ranking Member Alexander Afenyo-Markin during Srem-Sai’s vetting.
Tensions flared when Afenyo-Markin asked the nominee to perform ‘Agbadza,’ a traditional Ewe dance. Srem-Sai, however, clarified that his traditional dances were ‘Akpi’ and ‘Borborbor.’ Afenyo-Markin then requested that the nominee briefly perform ‘Akpi,’ a move Ahiafor immediately blocked.
“Honourable nominee, the question is overruled,” the Chairman stated.
Afenyo-Markin objected, accusing Ahiafor of being high-handed. “Chairman, if you decide to be whimsical and capricious, it will not advance the work of this committee,” he said, arguing that showcasing the dance would help promote Ghanaian culture.
Ahiafor demanded a retraction, but Afenyo-Markin refused, insisting, “You rudely overruled me.”
In response, the Chairman exercised his authority to prevent Afenyo-Markin from further questioning and proceeded to discharge the nominee.
Angered by the development, the Minority rejected Srem-Sai’s nomination and boycotted the vetting of Suhuyini and Sulemana, citing what they described as unfair treatment of their members.
Before walking out, Afenyo-Markin hinted at 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 said.
Despite the boycott, Ahiafor proceeded with the vetting in the absence of the Minority members.
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
