A disagreement during the vetting of Deputy Ministers-designate escalated into a standoff between Appointments Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor and Ranking Member Alexander Afenyo-Markin, culminating in the Minority boycotting the session and rejecting the nomination of Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice-designate, Srem-Sai, along with two other nominees.

The tension began when Afenyo-Markin asked Srem-Sai to perform ‘Agbadza,’ a traditional Ewe dance. The nominee, however, clarified that his preferred traditional dances were ‘Akpi’ and ‘Borborbor.’ This prompted Afenyo-Markin to request that the nominee briefly demonstrate ‘Akpi,’ a suggestion immediately overruled by Chairman Ahiafor.

"Honourable nominee, the question is overruled," the Chair declared.

Unhappy with the decision, Afenyo-Markin accused Ahiafor of acting arbitrarily. "Chairman, if you decide to be whimsical and capricious, it will not advance the work of this committee," he remarked, arguing that allowing the dance would help Ghanaians learn about an unfamiliar tradition.

Ahiafor demanded that Afenyo-Markin retract his comment, calling it unparliamentary. The Ranking Member, however, stood his ground. "You rudely overruled me," he stated, refusing to withdraw his words.

Following the exchange, the Chairman exercised his authority to bar Afenyo-Markin from asking further questions and subsequently discharged the nominee.

The Minority Caucus responded by rejecting Srem-Sai’s nomination, along with those of Alhassan Suhuyini, Deputy Roads Minister-designate, and Yussif Sulemana, Deputy Lands Minister-designate.

The Minority members cited what they called unfair treatment of their colleagues on the committee as the basis for their decision.

In protest, the Minority boycotted the vetting of Suhuyini and Sulemana. Before leaving the session, Afenyo-Markin signaled their intent to reassess their participation.

"On Friday, God willing, we will be available, and if the posture remains the same, we will advise ourselves on the next line of action," he said before walking out.

Despite the boycott, Chairman Ahiafor proceeded with the vetting in the absence of the Minority members.