Vetting Process Marred by Controversy as Minority Rejects Srem-Sai, Suhuyini, Two Others
Accra, Ghana - 26 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's Parliament witnessed a dramatic standoff between the Minority Caucus and the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, resulting in the rejection of Justice Srem-Sai's nomination as Deputy Attorney General and Justice Minister-designate.
The controversy erupted when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin asked Srem-Sai to demonstrate a traditional dance, which Ahiafor deemed inappropriate. Afenyo-Markin took offense, accusing Ahiafor of being "whimsical" and "capricious" in his handling of the proceedings.
Afenyo-Markin also claimed that he faced deliberate interruptions, including one from Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine and another from Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, aimed at obstructing the smooth process of his vetting of Srem-Sai.
In protest, the Minority Caucus rejected not only Srem-Sai's nomination but also those of Alhassan Suhuyini, Deputy Minister-designate for Roads and Highways who had been vetted already, Sulemana Yussif, Deputy Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, and Yussif Issaka Jajah, Deputy Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. citing unfair treatment and bias in the vetting process.
“When it got to me the leader of the caucus, there were all manner of interruptions. Including an interruption by the Attorney General [Dr Dominic Ayine] himself, of which you curiously said you never heard.
“Again, the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, came in interrupting, though not into the mic. It was aimed at obstructing the smooth process of my vetting of the nominee [Srem-Sai]. Eventually, you allowed him to ask a so-called follow-up question.
“The minority caucus rejects the nomination of the Deputy Attorney General and that the decision of it will be solely yours as majority caucus. For today [February 26], all other nominees in furtherance of our protest, we’re also rejecting them and your decision will remain yours as majority caucus,'' Afenyo-Markin remarked.
Source: Lead News Online
