The second session of Parliament’s Appointment Committee on Monday, January 20, 2025, was marked by intense clashes and disagreements, which led to delays in the vetting process of Roads and Highways Minister-designate, Kwame Governs Agbodza.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Ranking Member and Effutu MP, expressed concerns about the absence of a Cabinet Secretary. In response, Mahama Ayariga, the MP for Bawku Central, urged Afenyo-Markin to raise his concerns through other channels, stressing the importance of continuing with the vetting process.

Francis Annoh-Dompreh, the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, took issue with Ayariga’s comments, resulting in additional objections. Committee Chairman and Akatsi South MP, Bernard Ahiafor, tried to restore order and avoid further delays, but his efforts only led to a heated argument and murmurs among the committee members.

In the midst of the escalating confusion and tensions, Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor decided to suspend the sitting for five minutes in an attempt to restore order and allow tempers to cool. The decision to halt proceedings came after heated exchanges between members, particularly following the disagreements sparked by Francis Annoh-Dompreh’s objection to Mahama Ayariga’s remarks. The brief suspension was intended to give the committee members a chance to regroup and refocus before continuing with the vetting process.

When the session resumed, Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused Chairman Bernard Ahiafor and the Majority caucus of being “very rude” towards him, expressing his dissatisfaction with their behavior during the earlier exchanges.

Chairman Ahiafor, objecting to the use of the word “rude,” requested that Afenyo-Markin withdraw it, which the latter did before the vetting process could proceed. The heated exchanges underscored the growing tensions within the Appointment Committee as it carried out the important task of vetting ministerial nominees.