Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has temporarily suspended proceedings for an hour to allow the Majority and Minority members of the Appointments Committee to reach a consensus on the approval of two ministerial nominees.

0

The nominees in question are Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Samuel Nartey George, designated for the Foreign Affairs and Communications ministries, respectively. Their confirmation has sparked disagreements among members of the committee, necessitating further deliberations.

1

During the session, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced that both Ablakwa and Sam George would undergo secret voting, as the committee had failed to reach a consensus on their approval. "We will take Ablakwa, Sam George through secret voting," Afenyo-Markin stated.

2

He further emphasized that the nominees had committed to providing certain documents during their vetting, and their approval would hinge on the availability of those records. "Those documents they promised to bring to us must be made available," he added.

3

However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga countered Afenyo-Markin’s assertion, arguing that the committee had already agreed on their approval. "The report of the committee says they have been approved by consensus," he pointed out.

4

A brief but intense debate ensued on the floor, lasting nearly ten minutes. In an attempt to break the deadlock, Ayariga proposed a temporary suspension of proceedings to allow further discussions between both sides. The Minority Leader seconded the motion, prompting Speaker Bagbin to suspend sitting for an hour to facilitate consensus-building on the matter.

5