The One Ghana Movement has called on the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, to take swift legal action against individuals responsible for the destruction of state property during the chaotic ministerial vetting session in Parliament on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

The civil society organization, led by its Director Senyo Hosi, strongly condemned the conduct of members of the Vetting Committee, describing the vandalism as an affront to Ghana’s democratic values. It emphasized the need for accountability and urged the Speaker of Parliament, parliamentary leadership, and the Chairman of the Vetting Committee to uphold order and discipline during the proceedings.

“Ministerial vetting, as enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, is a crucial process designed to ensure that nominees for public office possess the necessary competence, integrity, and experience to serve in the public interest,” the statement from the One Ghana Movement read. “This process fosters transparency, safeguards national interests, upholds the principle of checks and balances, and strengthens public confidence in governance.”

The Appointments Committee’s session descended into chaos on Thursday evening when tensions between the Minority and Majority escalated into a physical confrontation. The dispute arose after the Majority insisted on proceeding with the vetting session beyond 10 PM, a move the Minority vehemently opposed.

In the midst of the altercation, members of the Minority began dismantling arranged tables, causing several microphones to fall and break. The situation spiraled out of control, forcing police intervention to restore calm and prevent further damage to parliamentary property. After about 30 minutes of disorder, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and other leaders intervened to de-escalate tensions. With damaged equipment making further deliberations impossible, the committee was compelled to adjourn and reschedule the session for the following day.

Addressing the incident, Mr. Ayariga expressed regret over the disruptions and assured that MPs would conduct themselves appropriately when proceedings resume. “He announced that with the tables broken and microphones destroyed, sitting can't continue, forcing the Committee to reschedule for tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin defended the Majority’s stance on pushing forward with the vetting process, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly questioning nominees.

“You are aware that some of the nominees, we don’t even ask them questions. Where we have to ask the relevant questions, we ask. Nothing will stop us from asking the necessary questions,” he asserted.

The One Ghana Movement reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible governance and urged all parliamentarians to uphold the highest standards of leadership, accountability, and respect for the citizens they serve.