Accra, Ghana – A chaotic scene unfolded in Ghana’s Parliament late Thursday night as lawmakers engaged in a physical altercation during the vetting of ministerial nominees submitted by newly elected President John Mahama.
The brawl led to the destruction of parliamentary furniture, including chairs and microphones, after opposition members objected to the prolonged vetting process, which extended past 11 p.m.
The disagreement erupted when members of the vetting committee expressed frustration over the lengthy questioning of Samuel Nartey George, the nominee for Minister of Communications.
The committee had initially planned to vet three nominees that evening. However, after completing the vetting of two ministers, five hours were spent interrogating George, leading to heightened tensions.
Opposition lawmakers insisted that George apologize for his past remarks against Ghana’s Chief Justice, former President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Vice President.
However, the nominee refused, maintaining his stance that the previous administration was corrupt and had unlawfully supported illegal mining operations.
“I stand by my words regarding the former president and government officials. I am a principled individual and will not retract my statements,” George asserted.
The prolonged vetting process led to a standoff, with opposition lawmakers rejecting a proposal to proceed with the remaining two nominees.
The situation quickly escalated into a violent confrontation, with lawmakers hurling chairs and damaging parliamentary equipment in protest.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin, leader of the opposition in Parliament, accused the ruling party’s lawmakers of attempting to force the process through without proper scrutiny. He insisted that the vetting would resume the following day, emphasizing that opposition members would not be intimidated.
“We refuse to be pressured into rushing this process. Tomorrow, we will continue and ask the critical questions necessary. Parliament must uphold its duty,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
Some observers accused Afenyo-Markin of deliberately prolonging the process to frustrate the government.
A day before the incident, he had reportedly told a local television station that his party intended to challenge at least one nominee, demanding an apology for past criticisms of former President Akufo-Addo.
Following the chaotic events, the vetting of the remaining two nominees—Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs—was postponed to Friday, January 31. Mahama Ayariga, the ruling party’s parliamentary leader, expressed disappointment over the disruptions.
“It is regrettable that we cannot continue the vetting due to the destruction caused in Parliament. We sincerely apologize to the public for this unfortunate incident,” Ayariga said.
He further suggested that Friday’s vetting session be moved to an alternative venue to prevent further disruptions.
Public reaction to the parliamentary fracas has been largely negative, with many condemning the lawmakers’ behavior. Some have argued that such actions tarnish the country’s democratic image.
This is not the first time Ghana’s Parliament has witnessed such chaos. In January 2021, lawmakers engaged in a physical confrontation during the election of the Speaker of Parliament, prompting security forces to intervene.
Political analyst Mussah Dankwah criticized the lawmakers for damaging government property, warning that they should not be above the law.
“Being a member of Parliament does not place you above accountability. Vandalizing state property is unacceptable and should have consequences,” he wrote on social media.
Similarly, Professor Ransford Gyampo, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, urged authorities to take legal action against those responsible for the destruction in Parliament.
“Ghanaians want law enforcement to arrest and prosecute any MP involved in damaging state property,” he remarked.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about the conduct of Ghanaian lawmakers and the need for stricter parliamentary discipline.
