The Alliance for Civic Action (ACA), a civil society organization committed to promoting transparent governance, accountability, and and peace, expresses profound concern over the recent conduct of the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, during the parliamentary vetting process.
In a press release signed and today February 27 th by the group’s
President, Mr Francis
Kwasi
Badu- Mello
said on February 26, 2025, during the vetting of Deputy Attorney General and Justice Minister-designate, Justice Srem-Sai, an incident occurred, that has raised serious questions about the decorum and leadership within our parliamentary proceedings.
The release indicated that Hon. Afenyo-Markin posed a question to the nominee, requesting him to demonstrate a cultural dance from his heritage, stating, “We are here to learn about our
country. It is also about our culture.”
The Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, overruled this question, deeming it inappropriate for the setting, and stated, “Honourable nominee, the question is overruled. You are not going to answer that question.”
Badu- Mello said the Hon. Afenyo-Markin in his response accused the Chairman of being “whimsical and capricious” in his handling of the proceedings, stressing when the Chairman demanded a withdrawal of these remarks, Hon. Afenyo-Markin refused, further stating, “Chairman, I will not withdraw, you rudely overruled me.”
According to the organization such conduct not only undermines the integrity of the parliamentary processes but also reflects a troubling lack of leadership and decorum expected of someone in his esteemed position.
The ACA is particularly alarmed by the Minority Leader’s apparent impatience and his propensity to resort to confrontational tactics, which have led to unnecessary tensions and disruptions within the legislative body.
The recent boycott by the minority during the vetting committee sessions the organization noted is a glaring manifestation of intolerance and a blatant disregard for parliamentary principles and the rule of law.
The release continue that Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s refusal to retract unacceptable remarks directed at the committee’s chairperson further exemplifies a concerning level of arrogance and disrespect.
In light of these developments, the ACA calls upon all Ghanaians to recognize the gravity of this situation. It is imperative to address these issues promptly to prevent potential chaos and to preserve the sanctity of our parliamentary democracy.
We are in an era that demands collaborative teamwork, mutual respect, and a unified commitment to nation-building, the release pointed out.
Reiterating that the time for individualistic displays of authority has passed and it is essential for our leaders, especially those within the minority caucus led by Hon. Afenyo-Markin, to adopt a more constructive and cooperative approach to tackle issues.
. The current trajectory of incessant disruptions and confrontations is detrimental to our democratic fabric, the release noted.
The ACA urges the minority leadership to reflect on their actions and to realign their strategies in a manner that fosters productive discourse and upholds the dignity of our parliamentary institution. Our democracy thrives on healthy debates and collaborative efforts, not on discord and disrespect, Francis Kwasi Badu- Mello observed.
