Member of Parliament for Bodi, Sampson Ahi, has accused the Minority of adopting an entrenched position to disrupt proceedings and make the vetting process ungovernable on Thursday, January 30.https://chat.whatsapp.com/HPfqFbuSt7fA2MVV742k2V
Speaking during his appearance before the special committee probing the vetting chaos on February 10, 2025, Mr. Ahi asserted that the Minority deliberately sought to obstruct government business during the vetting.
“It seems to me that this minority group do not want to stage a walkout. But they would make sure the place becomes ungovernable. And make sure that nothing can go on.
“I don’t think now anybody can prescribe an antidote for this type of attitude. The best thing was for them to walk out but they wouldn’t and they will make sure that you cannot also work. Unless you ask the security to deal with them if they find themselves in such a situation, which I will not recommend.”
The MP for Bodi proposed the development of clear modalities and strategies for conducting parliamentary business.
“I believe that we should sit down as parliament to try to fashion out some strategies and modalities going forward on how we will conduct business when it comes to such matters.”
He added that the security arrangements were caught off guard by the Minority’s conduct, emphasizing that they were not adequately prepared.
Background
The chaos on January 30, 2025, ensued when the Minority resisted the vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. The standoff escalated into a physical clash between MPs, resulting in the destruction of tables and microphones.
Following the incident, four MPs were suspended, prompting the Minority to walk out. This left the Majority to proceed with the vetting of Ablakwa and other nominees on January 31. Notably, the clash occurred after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had already subjected Ablakwa to extensive questioning.
The Speaker, Alban Bagbin established a committee aimed to examine the events surrounding the disruption on January 30, which resulted in a clash between the Minority and Majority over the vetting timing and the destruction of equipment.
The committee, chaired by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah, includes members Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, Abena Osei Asare, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, and Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng. It has been given a 10-day deadline to report its findings and recommendations.
However, the minority members of the committee have made a decision not to be part of these investigations, citing bias on the part of the chair.
The committee had created a WhatsApp platform to solicit information from the public.
Source: Citinewsroom
