Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has officially announced that his caucus will no longer participate in the ongoing investigations conducted by the Ad-hoc committee probing the chaotic events of January 30, 2025.
Addressing Parliament on February 7, the Effutu MP criticized the committee’s chairman, accusing him of handling the matter with bias. He claimed that the leader's actions had compromised the integrity of the probe, making it impossible for the Minority to continue its participation.
Afenyo-Markin revealed that his caucus had formally communicated with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, regarding their concerns. However, they await his return to the country before taking further steps.
“We’ve written to Mr Speaker and we will respect his authority and wait for his arrival. We would not be part of a one-sided committee. Our members have withdrawn ourselves from the committee. The chairman is prejudging the issue and we would not allow that,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
The Minority Leader also expressed his discontent with how the committee's hearings were being conducted. He argued that, in line with the Speaker’s ruling, which lifted the suspension of four MPs, the proceedings should have been held behind closed doors rather than in public view.
“It’s very regrettable that the chair of the committee has granted not less than six interviews to the media attacking my personality. I want the public to know that what the chair is doing is done in battery. That is not how a chair is supposed to behave,” he lamented.
Despite the Minority’s withdrawal, the Ad-hoc committee has proceeded with its investigations, entering its second day of hearings into the vetting chaos. The hearings remain open to the public, with key witnesses already being questioned. Among those who have testified so far are the Marshall of Parliament, as well as MPs Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Ablakwa, who has been vocal about his experiences during the chaotic vetting process, hinted that he may have been a specific target during the disturbances.
“Ministerial vetting chaos: It appears to me I was the target,” Ablakwa stated.
As tensions rise over the unfolding developments, all eyes remain on how Speaker Bagbin will address the concerns raised by the Minority upon his return. The decision to make the hearing public, as well as the allegations of bias, has deepened the political divide within Parliament, further complicating efforts to resolve the controversy.
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