Minority Calls for Resignation of Appointments Committee Clerk Over Alleged Bias

The Minority caucus in Parliament is calling for the immediate resignation of the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, accusing her of bias and unprofessional conduct during the vetting process.

Opposition MPs claim that the clerk has shown a clear allegiance to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), which they argue has compromised the fairness and neutrality of the proceedings.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin addressed the media, stating that the clerk’s actions have eroded trust in the committee’s work. He asserted, “The clerk has made it clear she is aligned with the NDC. We will formally write to the Clerk of Parliament demanding her removal from the Appointments Committee. She must either resign as parliamentary staff or immediately change her approach.”

The Minority further accused the clerk of sidelining them in key aspects of the vetting process.

They pointed out that when they were in government, the same clerk ensured the Minority had access to draft reports before they were finalized. However, they argue that this practice has now changed, with reports being finalized without their input.

Afenyo-Markin explained, “When we were in government, this clerk made sure the Minority could review reports before they were signed by the Chairperson. Today, reports are signed without our knowledge, and we only see them when they are presented on the floor of Parliament.”

He also criticized what he called deliberate attempts to hinder the Minority’s work, citing instances where vetting schedules were published at midnight without prior notice.

The controversy has added to the rising tensions in Parliament following disruptive scenes during recent vetting sessions.

The Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament have yet to comment on the Minority’s demands.