One Ghana Movement Condemns Chaos During Ministerial Vetting

The One Ghana Movement has strongly criticized the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the vetting of ministerial nominees in Ghana’s 9th Parliament, describing the conduct of some committee members as a disgrace to the country’s democratic values.
Tensions erupted on Thursday night as Minority and Majority members of the Appointments Committee clashed over the vetting schedule for nominees Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. While the Majority insisted on proceeding around 10 p.m., the Minority demanded a rescheduling to Friday, leading to a heated standoff.
The situation escalated when some Minority members resorted to breaking tables and microphones in an attempt to halt proceedings. However, the Majority stood firm, maintaining that the vetting process was in line with the committee’s agreed schedule.
Condemnation of Parliamentary Misconduct
In a statement dated January 31, the One Ghana Movement denounced the destruction of public property and the disorderly behavior exhibited during the session. The group argued that such actions undermine the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and erode public confidence in governance.
“Ministerial vetting, as enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, is a crucial process to assess the competence, integrity, and experience of nominees for public office. It fosters transparency, safeguards national interests, and strengthens public confidence in governance. However, the events of January 30 failed to reflect these ideals,” the statement read.
The movement further described the reckless conduct of some committee members as a waste of national resources and a betrayal of public trust.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The One Ghana Movement has urged the Speaker of Parliament, parliamentary leadership, and the Chairman of the Vetting Committee to take decisive action to restore order and discipline during future vetting sessions. Additionally, it called on the Attorney-General to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the destruction of state property.
“As a thought leadership and social action organisation committed to responsible citizenship, we urge all parliamentarians to uphold the highest standards of leadership, accountability, and respect for the people they serve,” the statement concluded.
The incident has reignited discussions on the need for stricter parliamentary conduct and legislative reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.