The One Ghana Movement has strongly condemned the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the vetting of ministerial nominees in Ghana’s 9th Parliament.
It described the conduct of some committee members as a disgrace to the country’s democratic principles.
Tensions flared on Thursday night when members of the Minority Caucus of the Appointments Committee clashed with their Majority counterparts over the vetting schedule for Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
While the Majority insisted on proceeding as planned around 10 p.m., the Minority demanded a rescheduling to Friday.
The standoff escalated, with some Minority members resorting to breaking tables and microphones in an attempt to halt the process.
The Majority side, however, maintained that the committee was operating within its agreed schedule and refused to back down.
In a statement dated January 31, the One Ghana Movement decried the destruction of public property and the disorderly conduct displayed during the vetting process.
The group argued that such actions undermine the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and erode public trust in the vetting process.
“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 stated that the reckless actions of certain committee members amounted to a waste of national resources and a betrayal of the public trust.
The One Ghana Movement has urged the Speaker of Parliament, parliamentary leadership, and the Chairman of the Vetting Committee to take decisive steps to uphold order and discipline during the vetting process. It also 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 sparked fresh debate over the need for stricter parliamentary conduct and reforms in Ghana’s legislative processes.
