Vetting Chaos: I Accept Full Responsibility for the Incident – Dafeamekpor
Majority Chief Whip admits leadership failure in Parliament’s heated vetting session, accepts punishment but calls for reforms
- Dafeamekpor takes full responsibility for the disruptions during the vetting session
- He acknowledges disagreements over who should be punished but stands by his decision
- Emphasizes the need for structural changes to prevent future parliamentary chaos
The Majority Chief Whip of Parliament, Nelson-Rockson Dafeamekpor, has taken full responsibility for the chaos that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees on January 30.
The heated clash between the Majority and Minority factions led to the destruction of public property, prompting Speaker Alban Bagbin to set up an investigative committee.
“I take responsibility, so when my punishment came, I took it in good faith,” Dafeamekpor stated while addressing the special committee on February 10. He acknowledged disagreements over who should be held accountable but maintained that leaders must answer for disruptions under their watch.
Reflecting on the incident, he blamed a breakdown in consensus-building, noting that the situation escalated when some MPs resorted to raising chairs and tables, making it impossible to maintain order.
“Once they decided to disrupt, raise tables, raise chairs, what can I do? What could I have done? Just to suffer for the punishment,” he remarked.
Dafeamekpor concluded by emphasizing the need for reforms to prevent future disruptions, stating, “A lot of things ought to be streamlined.”
