Minister of Foreign Affairs Designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has demanded an unqualified apology from the Minority caucus in parliament over allegations that he was smuggled into the vetting committee hearings.
In his introductory remarks to commence his vetting for the Foreign Minister position, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed strong reservations with the claims that was made by the Minority Leader at a press conference held before the exercise.
According to Afenyo Markin the Foreign Affairs Minister designate was not scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee but was smuggled in by the Majority at the last minute.
In a sharp response, the Foreign Affairs minister designate labelled the accusations as unfounded and damaging to his reputation.¹
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared the contents of a letter written to him by the clerk of the committee scheduling him for vetting on the 30th January 2025.
He said the claims by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin were damaging to his reputation as it suggested that he misled high-profile persons who elected to accompany him to the vetting.
The North Tongu MP said the committee should rather apologize to the chiefs who travelled long distances to attend the hearing, including some from the Ashanti region.
He also highlighted claims by another member from the minority side, Vincent Asaffuah accusing him of employing “backdoor tactics”.
The Minister Designate wondered whether there was a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation.
He asked the minority to render an unqualified apology to him and his guests
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa rejected claims by Afenyo-Markin that he wasn’t supposed to appear before the Appointments Committee on January 30.
He asserted that he had been properly invited and didn’t “smuggle” himself into the session.
The Chairman of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, subsequently apologized on behalf of the Committee.
Story By: Emmanuel Coffie
