Hold those responsible for the chaos accountable – PNAfrica tells Speaker

The Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) has told the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to hold those responsible for the chaos that erupted at the vetting committee sitting.

In the view of PNAfrica, holding them to account will ensure that such incidents do not recur and that parliamentary proceedings maintain the dignity they deserve.

PNAfrica, an organisation committed to promoting parliamentary transparency, accountability and decorum, unequivocally condemned the “shameful and dishonourable” conduct displayed by Members of Parliament at the Appointments Committee during the vetting of the President’s ministerial nominees in Parliament on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

As they said that they were deeply disappointed by the shocking scenes of physical altercations and heckling among lawmakers.

Such actions not only bring Parliament into disrepute but also erode public confidence in the institution’s ability to conduct its affairs with integrity and professionalism, PNAfrica said in a statement.

PNAfrica further stated that “Members of Parliament are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, serving as role models for the nation. However, their disgraceful conduct during the vetting process has instead undermined the very principles of democratic governance and parliamentary
oversight. It would be recalled that similar disgraceful conducts were exhibited by some Members of
Parliament in the 8th Parliament during the election of the Speaker as well as other subsequent occasions. Much as PNAfrica petitioned Parliament for the situation to be addressed to forestall its recurrence, nothing was done and our peMMon never saw the light of day.

“We, therefore, call on the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin—
who has been widely acknowledged for his legislative experience and leadership—to take
swi[ and decisive action. Those responsible for the chaos must be held accountable to ensure
that such incidents do not recur and that parliamentary proceedings maintain the dignity they
deserve.”

Chaos erupted during Parliament’s appointments committee sitting on Thursday, January 30.

During proceedings, the Minority and Majority members clashed over the timing of the vetting process.

However, the Majority MPs, resisted and insisted that the process continue tonight, leading to further tension in the chamber.

The Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin told the media that “The nominees—where we have to ask them questions, we do. Nothing will stop us from asking the necessary questions. It’s not every nominee; some of their nominees spent five minutes. NDC is always up to intimidating people. They think that they must always bully.”

He further alleged that the Clerk had unilaterally advertised the vetting schedule without prior agreement.

“The Clerk to the Committee is a partisan clerk. She’s a typical NDC member, she agrees with them, and she advertises and informs people to come. On January 29, there was no agreement, no meeting, but at 10:00 pm, she advertised,” he said.