Chaos erupts between Minority and Majority over continuation of ministerial vetting

A heated confrontation between the Minority and Majority Caucuses disrupted a session of the Appointments Committee on Thursday, as the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa became the focal point of a bitter dispute.

The disagreement began when the Minority proposed rescheduling the vetting to Friday, citing concerns over the day’s proceedings.

However, the Majority Caucus quickly rejected the suggestion, insisting that the vetting continue as planned.

What began as a procedural disagreement quickly escalated into chaos, with Minority members protesting both vocally and physically.

In an unprecedented move, some members of the Minority began dismantling conference tables, unplugging microphones, and attempting to halt the session in an effort to prevent further delays.

Despite the disruptions, the Majority Caucus remained firm, asserting that the committee should stick to its established schedule and proceed with the vetting without interruption. This only heightened the tension between the two sides.

Video footage of the proceedings showed Minority MPs unstacking conference tables, placing chairs on top, and unplugging microphones, while Majority members attempted to restore order by forcefully rearranging the room.

As tensions reached a boiling point, security personnel were deployed to the conference room to manage the increasingly charged atmosphere.

The Minority stood firm, arguing that no further nominees should be vetted that day, referencing a prior agreement to vet only four nominees before adjourning.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga later entered the room and successfully calmed tensions between the two sides.

Following his intervention, he announced that, due to logistical reasons, the vetting for the next ministerial nominee would be postponed.

This incident marks the first major confrontation between the two sides in the 9th Parliament, reminiscent of a similar clash at the start of the 8th Parliament four years ago.