By Valentia Tetteh
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed disappointment over the chaotic scenes that marred the ministerial vetting process on Thursday, January 30.
Speaking before the investigative committee tasked with probing the disturbances, Mr. Ablakwa described the experience as both embarrassing and unnecessary.
“It was a regrettable experience. My visitors and I were taken aback by the level of hostility. It was completely unnecessary and uncalled for,” he stated.
According to the Foreign Minister, the tension escalated unexpectedly, disrupting proceedings and undermining the integrity of the vetting process. He recounted how members of the minority caucus directed aggression towards him and his guests, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere that detracted from the intended purpose of the session.
“Parliament is supposed to be a place of decorum and constructive engagement. What happened that night does not reflect the values we should uphold as representatives of the people,” Ablakwa lamented.
He further called on all parliamentary members to uphold professionalism and respect in their engagements to prevent similar incidents in the future. Emphasizing the need for corrective measures, he urged the investigative committee to put safeguards in place to ensure that Parliament remains a space for meaningful discourse rather than hostility.
“We must learn from this and ensure that Parliament remains a space for meaningful discourse, not chaos and intimidation,” he concluded.
He said, the vetting process, meant to be a platform for rigorous but respectful scrutiny of ministerial nominees, was overshadowed by the disturbances, raising concerns over the state of parliamentary decorum.
