Upholding Decorum and Fairness
… The Crucial Role of the Appointments Committee Chairman
The recent exchanges between the former and current chairmen of the Appointments Committee in Ghana’s parliament has highlighted the delicate balance that the committee chair must strike in maintaining order and fairness during the vetting process.
While the Minority’s concerns about the current chairman’s “overbearingness” and “autocratic rulings” must be taken seriously, it is the chairman’s obligation to ensure that the proceedings are conducted in a professional and impartial manner, regardless of political affiliations.
The happening involving the Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is a prime example of the encounters faced by the Appointments Committee chairman. Afenyo-Markin’s aggressive demeanour and attempts to “rub shoulders” with the chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, reveals a lack of respect for the authority and position of the committee’s leader.
As the chairman, Ahiafor has the responsibility to control the proceedings and direct the affairs of the committee. His intervention to prevent disruptive or irrelevant questions, even if perceived as heavy-handed by the Minority, is a necessary step to maintain the integrity and focus of the vetting process.
The Minority’s claim that Ahiafor has not given them the “kid gloves” treatment is understandable, but it is critical to recognize that the chairman’s role is not to cater to any particular political faction. Rather, it is to ensure that the vetting process is conducted in a fair and impartial manner, upholding the rules and procedures of the House.
In this situation, Afenyo-Markin’s behaviour, which included taking a lot of time in asking questions and failing to recognize the chairman’s position, is highly problematic. The chairman must be able to maintain control of the proceedings, even when faced with such disruptive actions, in order to uphold the decorum and fairness of the committee’s work.
Captivatingly, during the vetting on Monday, January 20, 2025, Afenyo-Markin, who was rather rude in his conduct, described the Majority and the Chairman as being rude to him. This accusation from the Minority leader and ranking member of the committee is concerning, as it demonstrates a lack of self-awareness and a failure to uphold the standards of parliamentary decorum that he himself should be setting.

It is important to strike a balance between enforcing the rules and allowing for robust and substantive discussions. The former Appointments Committee chairman, Joseph Osei-Owusu, acknowledged his “strict adherence to rules” and the need to cut down on “comments before the question,” which suggests that there may have been instances where he was perceived as overly rigid.
Equally, Ahiafor must find a way to balance firmness in enforcing the rules with a collaborative and inclusive approach that builds trust and confidence among all members of the committee, regardless of their political affiliation. This is crucial for maintaining the credibility and legitimacy of the Appointments Committee and the wider legislative body.
The role of the Appointments Committee chairman is not about personal preference or political allegiance, but about upholding the integrity of the parliamentary process. Ahiafor must assert his authority and control over the proceedings, while also ensuring that all members are treated fairly and given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the vetting of government nominees.
Afenyo-Markin’s bad-mannered behaviour towards the chairman is particularly concerning, as it undermines the authority and effectiveness of the committee’s leader. As the Minority leader, Afenyo-Markin should set an example of parliamentary decorum and respect for the institutional processes, rather than attempting to challenge the chairman’s position and disrupt the proceedings.
The chairman must be firm in addressing such unruly conduct, as it is essential for maintaining the credibility and legitimacy of the Appointments Committee. Ahiafor’s ability to strike the right balance between enforcing the rules and fostering an environment of constructive dialogue will be crucial in determining the success and public perception of the committee’s work.
Eventually, the success of the Appointments Committee and the public’s trust in the parliamentary process depend on the chairman’s ability to foster an environment of decorum, fairness, and substantive discourse. This is a delicate balancing act, but one that is essential for maintaining the credibility and legitimacy of Ghana’s legislative institutions. Ahiafor must assert his authority, while also ensuring that all members are treated fairly and given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the vetting of government nominees.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah