Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued a public apology to Mrs. Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, the Clerk to the Appointments Committee, after previously accusing her of being partisan.
In an earlier statement, Afenyo-Markin had criticized Mrs. Jiagge-Gobah for what he described as biased behaviour, claiming that she was acting in a manner typical of a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He had also accused her of failing to cooperate with Minority members of the committee, alleging that she circulated notices late and provided reports insufficiently ahead of committee sittings. At the time, Afenyo-Markin even threatened to have her removed from her position.
However, in a reversal of his stance, Afenyo-Markin formally apologized in Parliament on February 4, stating, “I unreservedly apologise to her. I also apologise to her husband, children, and relatives who have been emotionally affected by my utterances.”
The apology comes after criticism from both the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the 1st Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor. Speaking in an interview on February 3, Ahiafor condemned Afenyo-Markin’s approach, calling it inappropriate and unbecoming of a parliamentarian. He also praised Mrs. Jiagge-Gobah, insisting that she is not partisan and that the Minority should work with her.
Ahiafor, who also serves as the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, said, “If they don’t want to work with Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, then they don’t want to work at the Appointments Committee because, I, as the Chairman, will never recommend her removal.”
The public apology marks the end of the controversy, with the Minority Leader now seeking to restore harmony within the committee.
Source:TheDotNews