Ghana: the parliament descends into chaos during ministerial vetting

Tensions flared in Ghana’s parliament late Thursday as a ministerial vetting session erupted into chaos, forcing security intervention. Lawmakers engaged in heated confrontations, overturning tables, damaging microphones, and shoving each other, bringing proceedings to a standstill.

The uproar stemmed from the vetting of three ministerial nominees from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), which won the December elections.

Opposition MPs from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) challenged the process, particularly the lengthy questioning of communications minister-designate Samuel Nartey George, which lasted over five hours.

NDC lawmakers accused opposition leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of deliberately prolonging the session to settle political scores.

Many saw it as retaliation for George’s past criticism of former President Nana Akufo-Addo and his Vice-President Mahamadu Bawumia.

The escalating disorder led to the suspension of four MPs—three from the NPP and one from the NDC—for two weeks.

Speaker of Parliament intervened, calling for order, while the vetting committee chairman apologized to Ghanaians, calling the scenes “totally unacceptable.”

Despite the turmoil, Afenyo-Markin defended the scrutiny process, asserting that MPs have the right to thoroughly examine nominees. The session was ultimately adjourned to Friday, leaving Ghana’s political climate further polarized.