Afenyo-Markin Questions Business Statement Over Planned Vetting in Parliament

The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency, Hon. Alexander Osahene Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has expressed concerns over portions of the Business Statement presented in Parliament, particularly regarding an aspect that mentions a planned vetting exercise.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Afenyo-Markin indicated that during the presentation of the Business Statement, he was asked whether he had access to the Business Committee’s report. In response, he noted that as a former Majority Leader, he is well aware of parliamentary procedures. 

According to him, when the Business Statement is presented and questions are raised or inputs are made, once the Majority Leader who also serves as the Leader of Government Business and Chair of the Business Committee confirms certain provisions, those provisions become part of the official report.

He pointed out that the Majority Leader, Hon. Osman Mahama Ayariga, had confirmed the existence of a programme related to the vetting. 

However, Hon. Afenyo-Markin stressed that since this confirmation was not part of the original report, it should be withdrawn to ensure that the committee’s report remains as originally presented—without any vetting scheduled for Monday.

The Minority Leader further stated that the Minority Caucus, being law-abiding, had filed a motion several days earlier and had made several follow-ups on the matter. 

He cautioned the Majority side not to take the Minority for granted, emphasizing their commitment to upholding parliamentary procedure and due process.

Continuing his remarks, Hon. Afenyo-Markin urged members to remain vigilant in the parliamentary process.

 He argued that the Majority Leader cannot unilaterally declare that the matter involving Justice Araba Esaaba Torkornoo is inconsequential. He stressed that Justice Torkornoo, as a Ghanaian and appointee, deserves due process and respect for her rights.

He added that Parliament should collectively call on the acting Chief Justice to empanel the court swiftly and encourage the Attorney General to file a defense at the ECOWAS Court, rather than succumbing to threats from the Majority Chief Whip insisting that the vetting must take place.

Hon. Afenyo-Markin concluded by emphasizing that the Minority Caucus will not remain silent, insisting that the Majority must follow the rule of law and adhere to the proper parliamentary and judicial procedures.

Report by PKB