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CDD-Ghana’s Dr. Kojo Asante Condemns Parliamentary Chaos During Vetting

Accra, Ghana – February 1, 2025 – The Director of Advocacy and Policy Engagement at the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. Kojo Asante, has strongly criticized the violent confrontations that disrupted the vetting process at Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 30, 2025.

Dr. Asante described the chaos as undemocratic and detrimental to both the Majority and Minority in Parliament, stressing that such actions damage Parliament’s credibility and fail to serve the interests of Ghanaians.

Background of the Incident

The disorder erupted over a scheduling dispute between the Majority and Minority during the vetting of ministerial nominees Kwabena Mintah Akandoh (Health) and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (Foreign Affairs).

  • The Minority demanded the session be rescheduled for Friday, arguing that proceedings had gone on too late.
  • The Majority insisted on continuing the vetting on Thursday night.
  • The disagreement escalated into physical confrontations, resulting in damaged furniture and microphones.

Dr. Asante’s Concerns

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, Dr. Asante condemned the actions of both sides, noting that the NDC-led Majority and NPP-led Minority should prioritize effective governance over political grandstanding.

“This kind of behaviour undermines the credibility of Parliament. It cannot be that one side seeks to dominate or intimidate the other. Ghanaians did not vote for chaos; they voted for accountability and governance,” he stated.

He warned the NPP Minority against displaying arrogance and impunity, stating that Ghanaians had already rejected such attitudes in the last elections.

Way Forward

Dr. Asante urged both sides to adopt more constructive engagement strategies in handling disagreements, rather than resorting to disruptive actions that tarnish Parliament’s reputation.

His comments add to growing calls for accountability and discipline, with Speaker Alban Bagbin having already suspended four MPs and tasked a seven-member committee to investigate the disruptions.

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