Chaos erupted in Ghana’s Parliament on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as Members of Parliament (MPs) from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) clashed over the vetting schedule for two Ministers-designate.
The disagreement centered on whether the vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Foreign Affairs Minister-designate, and Kwabena Akandoh, the Health Minister-designate, should proceed that evening or be postponed to Friday, January 31.
The Appointments Committee, responsible for vetting the nominees, was deeply divided on the issue. Minority MPs argued that the vetting process should be delayed until the next day, while Majority MPs insisted on continuing as planned.
This disagreement quickly escalated into a heated confrontation, with MPs flipping chairs, smashing tables, and damaging microphones, speakers, and other parliamentary equipment.
The situation grew so intense that security personnel were called in to restore order. Over 10 police officers were deployed to the chamber to separate the MPs and prevent further violence. The chaos lasted for nearly 30 minutes, marked by loud verbal exchanges, near-physical altercations, and constant hooting.
Following the incident, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga addressed the media, apologizing for the disruption.
He acknowledged the destruction of parliamentary property, which had brought the proceedings to a halt. Mr. Ayariga urged both sides to remain calm and avoid similar incidents in the future, emphasizing that the chaos had damaged Parliament’s reputation.
The Appointments Committee had initially planned to vet eight ministerial nominees that day. However, the process was delayed due to the extended questioning of Samuel Nartey George, the Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin spent over four hours grilling Mr. George, which further fueled tensions between the two sides.
In response to the chaos, Mr. Afenyo-Markin defended his caucus’s right to ask thorough questions during the vetting process. He accused NDC MPs of trying to intimidate his members, stating that such behavior was unacceptable.
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