Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the Appointments Committee’s decision to excuse Linda Obenewaa Ocloo Akweley, the Greater Accra Regional Minister-designate, from questioning during her appearance before the committee.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism and raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the vetting process.
Ms. Ocloo Akweley, accompanied by chiefs and supporters from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including former Interior Minister Henry Quartey and former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, was excused after introducing herself without facing any questions.
In an interview on Channel One TV, Afenyo-Markin justified the move, emphasizing the committee’s familiarity with the nominees.
“When you ask too many questions, you’re in trouble. When you don’t ask at all, you’re in trouble. We know the strengths and weaknesses of those who appear before us. Sometimes, you assess the situation and strike a balance,” he remarked.
Addressing speculation about time constraints, Afenyo-Markin dismissed the claim.
“It wasn’t a matter of time, no,” he clarified.
When pressed on whether the nominee’s exemption was influenced by her mobilization of chiefs and bipartisan supporters, Afenyo-Markin responded rhetorically, “But those placed at the lowest ebb of fortune are equally entitled to our regard, aren’t they?”
Citing past precedents, such as the late elder statesman Joseph Henry Mensah’s vetting, Afenyo-Markin noted that nominees are not always required to undergo questioning.
“That’s one of our failures, isn’t it? You have every right to disagree with us, and that’s okay,” he added.
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