Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has warned that the Minority will be referred to the Privileges Committee if he fails to render an unqualified apology to the Clerk of Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in an outburst captured live on television, accused Gifty Jiagge-Gobah of being partisan, a claim he reiterated in multiple press conferences and media interviews.
He alleged that she was working in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to reports, his remarks contributed to starting a brawl among committee members, forcing a halt to the vetting process that day.
In response to the chaos, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended four MPs and instructed the Clerk to lodge a formal complaint with the police.
Providing an update on the incident during an interview on PM Express on Monday, the Adaklu MP described Afenyo-Markin’s attack on Jiagge-Gobah as “very reckless, very needless, and uncalled for.”
The Akatsi South MP further stated that the matter is far from over, stating, “A Member of Parliament cannot behave in that manner.”
He revealed that Mr Afenyo-Markin’s conduct would be referred to the Privileges Committee, where he could face severe consequences if he does not take the opportunity to apologise.
“Yes, he should join me in apologizing 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 stated.
In the coming days, Mr Afenyo-Markin will be given a chance to apologise and resolve the matter amicably. However, if he refuses, the disciplinary process will commence.
Despite the controversy, Afenyo-Markin has received strong backing from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has accused Speaker Bagbin of acting autocratically by suspending three of their MPs.
The party has labelled the move as unacceptable, arguing that it undermines its ability to hold the government accountable.
Meanwhile, the Appointments Committee is set to reconvene soon for the vetting of deputy ministerial nominees, which is expected to be announced by President John Mahama in the coming days.
