Month: January 2025

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs has proposed the creation of a dedicated Consular Fund to assist Ghanaian deportees facing difficult conditions abroad.

At his ongoing vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, January 31 2025, Mr. Ablakwa stressed the need for a financial mechanism that would enable foreign missions to provide legal and humanitarian support to Ghanaians at risk of deportation.
He noted that the Fund would serve as a critical resource for embassies and consulates worldwide, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left without representation or assistance in distressing circumstances. He also expressed particular concern over recent mass deportations by the United States.

He stated that many affected individuals often face degrading treatment and lack access to legal counsel or consular intervention.
“When given the nod, I will ensure that we establish a Consular Fund. We must make sure that this Fund exists and can be accessed by our foreign-service staff to extend assistance particularly in this period where the United States has announced mass deportations.”

He added that deportees are entitled to consular assistance and legal representation to prevent violations of their rights and dignity.
Beyond addressing deportations, Mr. Ablakwa indicated that his ministry would engage key foreign partners to negotiate improved migration policies that safeguard the welfare of Ghanaians abroad.

“Those who may be rounded up to be deported are entitled to consular support. We must get them legal support so that they are not just rounded up and deported with their rights violated. That is a violation of their human rights and affront to their dignity and these are matters that I will pursue”.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Minority at a press conference on Friday, 31st January, 2025 and addressed by the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin said they will not surrender to intimidation by the Majority with the verbal attack suffered yesterday.

According to him, last night, but for the vigilance of the police to escort them out, the thugs in the premises who support the NDC Majority would have attacked them; and commended the police for their professionalism.

Again, we are concerned by the attempt by the majority to disregard pre-sitting agreements on the number of nominees to appear before the committee.

Yesterday we had agreement to have three nominees for the day but change to four and later five; after that, we only saw that they wanted to smuggle Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in; he was fully dressed with the wife and family members and other regional minister who have not been programmed but they came to the committee.

“The Majority worn an election and they are to govern together with us; we will not allow them to use their majority to intimidate us; it will not happen, we are not going to boycott any proceedings. It is not part of us, we will stay in and protest; we have been in government before and we know governance; we will not obstruct government business”.

He further added that the Minority is at the risk of criticism from their own party members for not taking Mahama’s appointees through critical questioning; we believe it’s better to have the president have his ministers in place early rather than leave the Ministry for civil servants to run.

Again, we have invited memos fourteen days ahead of the appointment Committees public hearing, we have cooperated with the Majority side greatly, he stated.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Chairman of the Appointment Committee, Bernard Ahiafor has offered unqualified apology to the Rt. Hon Speaker Alban Kingsford Bagbin, the leadership of the House and Ghanaians in general over the chaos that erupted on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

The Chairman in a statement before the commencement of vetting on Friday said as a committee they will work for the growth of Ghana’s democracy and implore all Members to conduct themselves in ways befitting Members of Parliament, bearing in mind that the rules and procedures governing parliamentary practices are upheld at all times.

“The brouhaha led to the destruction of some furniture and microphones in the Committee room and a disruption of proceedings, causing the sitting to end abruptly. The damage to these items affected the functionality of the Committee and has also tarnished the dignity of the institution and its members.

Upon assessment of the extent of the damage, one microphone was damaged beyond repair and has been replaced. Fortunately, this morning’s proceedings will carry on without any technical hitch. It is essential that we ensure a swift return to order and maintain the integrity of our Parliamentary processes.”

The actions that unfolded last night have drawn significant concern from the public and are a cause for reflection on the conduct and professionalism of our Members of Parliament and the Institution of Parliament. It is crucial that we restore confidence in our committee’s ability to function effectively and responsibly, he added.

According to him, while forceful disagreements during Plenary and Committees are common place, and indeed heckling and filibustering between and among Members are permissible, physical altercations are totally prohibited and the laws of our country emphatically prohibit same. “What happened last night is totally unacceptable and we take full responsibility for the unfortunate incident”.

Growing a democracy he noted is always a difficult process but agreeing to disagree with colleagues is an honorable way to handle issues.

He urged his colleagues to keep in mind that the duties given to them put them in privileged positions to serve our country and be good examples for those who will come after us.

“The people who put us here in parliament expect us to act in ways that will unite us as a people, and it is incumbent on us to take this task seriously. Please let’s conduct ourselves in this manner”.

And we assure you that appropriate measures will be put in place to address this issue and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in future.

We as members of this Committee will continue to work in unity and dignity for the furtherance of our parliamentary democracy and the good of our multiparty democracy, he concluded.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Chairman of the appointments Committee of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor has apologized to Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs for the lapse that occurred in him being present for vetting on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

The Chairman’s apology was in response to the nominee’s request for the Ranking of the Committee Alexander Afenyo-Markin to render an unqualified apology to him, and his guests for accusing him of smuggling himself to be vetted yesterday.

Mr. Ablakwa who made the request at the beginning of his vetting indicated that the Minority Leader at a press conference accused him of smuggling himself to the committee on Thursday even though he was not scheduled to be vetted.

However, Mr. Ablakwa presented and read the letter inviting him to appear before the Committee on Thursday including the request to submit 10 guests who will be following him.

He did not only accuse the Minority Leader but also one other Minority Member who posted on his Facebook post accusing him of same.

The actions of the Minority, he noted, appears to be a pre-conceived agenda to cast a slur on his reputation and thus called on the Chairman to take action on the issue.

Meanwhile, the Chairman acknowledge that the shortfall was occasioned by some disruption to their calendar and that they the committee should have communicated the changes to him.

Ghanamps.com

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the Clerk of the Appointments Committee of being partisan, alleging that she is working in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking after a chaotic session on Thursday evening, Afenyo-Markin did not mince words in expressing his frustration.

“The committee is on a partisan track. Indeed, she is a typical NDC. She agrees with them and then advertises and informs people to come,” he claimed.

According to the Minority Leader, the Clerk acted outside the usual procedures by unilaterally making decisions without agreement from both sides.

“The practice has always been that the chairman and ranking would agree on who and who will come. Yesterday, there was no agreement. The Chairman was with me—no meeting. Then, at 10 pm, the Clerk advertised for 10 this morning,” the Effutu MP stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin further alleged that the Clerk’s actions were part of a broader strategy by the Majority to push through more nominees than had been agreed upon.

“Today, we agreed to do three nominees and my deputy was here. They had a pre-sitting and agreed on three. Later in the afternoon, they said four. Then again, they said, ‘Oh, let’s compromise on one more.”

“We said okay, and they made it five. Just as we finished the three, we realized they had paraded several other nominees, thinking we would boycott. We will not boycott,” he declared.

He also accused the NDC of attempting to intimidate and sideline the Minority in the vetting process.

“NDC is always out to intimidate people, always bullying. They can call us a ‘micro minority.’ They can say whatever they want to say. But we have been cooperating with them,” he stated.

Despite the disruptions, Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that the Minority would not back down.

“Nothing will stop us from asking the relevant questions,” he insisted, making it clear that his side would continue to scrutinize nominees without fear or intimidation.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

The Majority and Minority turn the Appointment Committee into a chaotic place on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in the evening as tensions flared between members of the Minority and Majority, leading to a heated confrontation.

This escalated into a point where tables and microphones were destroyed, prompting the intervention of the police to restore order and prevent further destruction.

The Majority insisted on proceeding with the vetting session beyond 10 PM, but the Minority strongly opposed the move, declaring that they were done for the day.

Members of the Minority started to lose the arranged tables and in the process, most of the microphones fell off and got broken.

After about 30 minutes into the confusion, the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and other leaders stepped in and calmed tempers.

He announced that with the tables broken and microphones destroyed, sitting can’t continue forcing the Committee to reschedule for today.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com

Vetting proceedings in parliament were disrupted in the night of Thursday, January 30, 2024.

The whole vetting process turned chaotic when the Minority refused to allow continuation of proceedings just after the Sports and Recreational Minister designate finished his turn.

The Majority wanted to continue the vetting process with the remaining two nominees scheduled for the day, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Health Minister-designate and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister-designate. But the Minority would have none of that.

The Melee got intense when Mr. Mintah Akandoh took the seat to take his oath for his vetting to start forcing the Minority to get to their feet in protest.

The confusion led to another moment of shame in Ghana’s Parliament as there were not only verbal exchanges but also destruction to properties at the place.

Prior to this development, the Minister-designate for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George was subjected to 5 hours of grilling with the Minority Leader and Ranking on the Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin alone spending about 3hours on the nominee.

It took the intervention of the Chair of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor to cut short the Ranking Member to bring that part of the vetting to a close.

Dominic Shirimori/Ghanadistricts.com

The Ministerial nominee for Communications, Digitalisation, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George has announced plans to conduct a proper SIM re-registration exercise if approved for the role.

According to him the new process would be more efficient and technology-driven to avoid the long queues that characterised the previous exercise.

Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30, Mr George criticised the past approach, stating that a more logical and seamless process would be implemented.

“We will do a proper SIM re-registration again, and this time, there will be no queues because common sense will prevail, and we will use technology to do it,” he assured.

He reiterated that the re-registration was in the best interest of Ghanaians, ensuring secure and reliable telecommunications services.

According to him, leveraging digital solutions would make the exercise convenient for citizens while achieving its intended purpose of improving national security and preventing fraud.

He assured the Committee that, under his leadership, the Ministry would prioritise efficiency and innovation in all digital initiatives, including SIM registration, to foster a more robust and inclusive telecommunications sector.

Ghanamps.com

Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan has raised serious concerns over the lack of emergency medical kits or services for parliamentarians in Parliament.

“Since joining Parliament a few weeks ago, I have taken the time to walk around the premises, and I am deeply concerned about the lack of emergency medical services available to us. I have not seen any emergency kits, AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators), or other essential emergency equipment in the bathrooms, hallways, or other key areas”, she said on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 on the floor of the House.

She said the issue was further highlighted recently when the former president Nana Akufo Addo’s ADC fainted in the chamber at his final State of the Nation Address.
According to her, the way and manner the situation was handled did not meet the standard of care expected in such emergencies.

“As a trauma surgeon, I would like to propose, with your indulgence, the establishment of a committee to assess and improve emergency preparedness within Parliament. This committee could include an emergency services team to evaluate the premises and implement necessary measures.

Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah thus suggested offering training programs such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS); and Stroke Care to parliamentarians, staff, drivers, and house helpers.

These programs, she affirmed would equip individuals with the skills to provide proper first aid during emergencies, reducing morbidity and mortality. “Studies have shown that immediate response significantly improves outcomes in critical situations, she added.

“Mr. Speaker, the absence of these services poses a serious risk. Should an emergency occur in this chamber, the lack of immediate care could have dire consequences. I urge this House to prioritize this matter for the safety and well-being of everyone in Parliament”, she emphasized.

Ghanamps.com

The Minority is calling for a deceive action against Victoria Hardcastle Emeafa Acting Chief Executive of the Petroleum Commission for her contemptuous conduct when he came to the Appointment Committee yesterday, Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

According to the Minority the conduct of the Petroleum Commission head was one of the most flagrant attacks on parliamentary dignity in recent memory and demands an appropriately stern response from the House.

Hardcastle’s attempt to direct the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annor-Dompreh, on the execution of his parliamentary duties, coupled with her unconscionable description of a senior Member of Parliament as “silly”, constitutes an egregious assault on parliamentary authority that cannot go unchallenged. Such strikes are conducted at the very foundation of our democracy and must be met with the full force of parliament.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

The matter is particularly concerning as it comes mere weeks after President Mahama called on his appointees to eschew “arrogance or disrespect” towards the people of Ghana in their public service.

And when this matter was raised on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday by Hon. Annor- Dompreh, the overwhelming bipartisan condemnation demonstrated Parliament’s united stance against such contemptuous behaviour. Members from both sides of the House expressed justified outrage at this blatant display of disrespect towards the Legislature.

The Rt. Hon Speaker’s decision to personally hear representations from both parties on Thursday, 30th January 2025, given the current absence of a constituted Committee on Privileges and Immunities, underscores the gravity of this matter. We anticipate that Friday’s report or ruling by the Speaker will send an unmistakable message of deterrence to all public officials and indeed any person who might contemplate similar contemptuous conduct in the future.

Throughout the Fourth Republic, various Parliaments have demonstrated their resolve in dealing decisively with contempt cases. The sanctity of parliamentary proceedings and the protection of Members in the discharge of their duties are not mere ceremonial considerations but fundamental and unshakeable pillars of our democratic governance.

Furthermore the Minority leadership maintained that Ms Hardcastle’s conduct represents an intolerable breach of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House, demanding exemplary sanctions.

Parliament must send a clear, unequivocal message that any attempt to undermine its authority or dignity will face severe consequences; public officials must understand that interaction with Parliament and its Members demands the highest standards of decorum and respect.

“We expect that the appropriate sanctions under our Standing Orders, including fines, imprisonment, restriction from parliamentary precincts, and mandatory public apology, will be applied with appropriate severity to reflect the gravity of this offence.”

As we await the Speaker’s determination on Friday, we call on all stakeholders to note that this case will set a crucial precedent for future interactions between public officials and Parliament. The dignity of Parliament is non-negotiable, and those who choose to assault it must face commensurate consequences, they added.

Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com