Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the Appointments Committee’s decision to excuse Greater Accra Regional Minister-designate, Linda Obenewaa Ocloo Akweley, from questioning during her vetting process.
The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the rationale behind bypassing the standard vetting process. Critics argue that the decision undermines transparency and accountability, raising concerns about fairness in the approval of ministerial nominees.
Committee’s Justification
Speaking in an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Afenyo-Markin explained that the committee members were already familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the nominees, suggesting that extensive questioning was not always necessary.
“Well, it’s part of it. When you ask too many questions, you are in trouble. When you don’t ask at all, you are in trouble,” he remarked.
He further elaborated, “We know the strength of those who appear before us, and we know their weaknesses. Sometimes, you look at certain situations and you want to balance it.”
No Time Constraints, No External Influence
Afenyo-Markin dismissed suggestions that time constraints influenced the decision to forego questioning Ocloo Akweley. He also rejected the notion that the presence of chiefs and bipartisan supporters, including former Interior Minister Henry Quartey and ex-Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, played a role in her exemption.
“But those placed at the lowest ebb of fortune are equally entitled to our regard, aren’t they?” he responded poetically when asked about external influence.
A Precedent for Non-Vetting
The Minority Leader cited historical examples where nominees were not subjected to intense questioning, referencing the late veteran politician Joseph Henry Mensah. He noted that while the decision may be controversial, it is not unprecedented.
“That’s one of our failures, isn’t it? It’s one of those things—you would disagree with us, but I would leave that with you. You have every right to disagree with us,” Afenyo-Markin concluded.
Public Reaction and Debate
The decision has sparked debate among governance watchdogs and the general public. Some view it as a political maneuver, while others argue that it undermines due diligence in the ministerial approval process.
Despite the backlash, Afenyo-Markin confirmed that Ocloo Akweley’s nomination had been debated and approved on the floor of Parliament, with no indication that the committee would recall her for further questioning.
