Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, has warned that Minority Member of Parliament (MP) Alexander Afenyo-Markin will be referred to the Privileges Committee if he does not issue an unreserved apology to the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah.

Afenyo-Markin, in a televised outburst, accused Jiagge-Gobah of being biased in favor of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), an allegation he later reiterated in several media interviews and press conferences. His remarks are said to have sparked a confrontation among committee members, halting the vetting process for that day. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin subsequently suspended four MPs and directed the Clerk to file a police complaint.

Ahiafor, responding to the incident in a recent interview on PM Express, condemned Afenyo-Markin’s attack as “reckless and uncalled for.” He emphasized that such behavior from an MP was unacceptable, adding that the matter would not be overlooked.

“An MP cannot behave in this manner,” Ahiafor said, revealing that Afenyo-Markin would have the opportunity to apologize. Should he fail to do so, the issue will be referred to the Privileges Committee, where he could face significant consequences. “If he takes advantage of the opportunity, there will be no need to refer him to Privileges,” Ahiafor clarified. “But if he does not, we will follow the rules, and whatever is applicable will be enforced.”

The matter remains unresolved, with Afenyo-Markin set to receive a chance to settle the dispute amicably in the coming days. However, should he refuse, disciplinary proceedings will proceed.

Afenyo-Markin has received staunch support from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has criticized Speaker Bagbin’s suspension of three of its MPs. The NPP claims the Speaker’s actions are autocratic, undermining the party’s role in holding the government to account.

Meanwhile, the Appointments Committee is expected to reconvene soon to continue the vetting process for deputy ministerial nominees, anticipated to be announced by President John Mahama in the near future.

Source:TheDotNews