The vetting of Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the nominee for Deputy Minister for Justice and Attorney General, was abruptly halted following a heated exchange between the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The disagreement arose when Afenyo-Markin requested that the nominee perform a cultural dance from his heritage, arguing that the vetting process should also highlight aspects of Ghanaian culture. Chairman Ahiafor, however, swiftly overruled the request, insisting that the line of questioning was inappropriate.
“Honourable nominee, the question is overruled. You are not going to answer that question,” Ahiafor ruled, prompting an immediate challenge from Afenyo-Markin, who accused the Chairman of being “whimsical and capricious” in his decision-making.
The tense exchange escalated when Ahiafor demanded a retraction, but Afenyo-Markin refused, maintaining that the Chairman’s handling of the matter was unfair. The standoff led Ahiafor to cut the vetting session short, reinforcing his authority over the proceedings.
In response, the Minority Caucus formally protested the abrupt termination of the vetting, accusing Ahiafor of undermining the process. Afenyo-Markin announced that the Minority would reject not only Dr. Srem-Sai’s nomination but also all nominees vetted on the day.
“We do not think that, in the spirit of cooperation, the Chairman should have adopted such a posture. The Minority Caucus hereby rejects the nomination of the Deputy Attorney General, and any decision taken today will remain that of the Majority,” Afenyo-Markin declared.
The incident has deepened tensions within Parliament, raising concerns about the impartiality and effectiveness of the vetting process. The Majority Caucus is yet to respond to the Minority’s protest.
