Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has revealed that he does not abuse his position during the vetting of ministerial nominees.
According to him, he takes his responsibilities seriously, ensuring that every nominee undergoes a thorough and impartial review.
Afenyo-Markin’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of the appointment and vetting process in Ghana’s government, where many Ghanaians believes that the Appointment Committee is being used as an avenue to settle personal scores.
However, in an interview with Emefa Apawa on JoyNews’ The Probe, which was keenly monitored by Elvisanokyenews.com, the legislature assured Ghanaians that he does not misuse the authority he has as the Ranking Member on the Appointment Committee.
“Bear in mind that before I vet I check people’s background, I have to look at your persona, your CV look at your track record in Parliament, have you raised controversies? because that thing is supposed to come under article 78 which you already qualify, so I have to look at other issues.” He said.
The Effutu legislator explained that he shares a cordial relationship with the Minister-designate for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, and he has no intention of harming his political career.
”Before Sam’s vetting I’ve known Sam since my days at trade fair when he was hiring my trucks to do business and Sam has been my brother, I called Sam in the presence of another senior member of our party. I say Sam, you know what? You made certain disparaging comments. You denigrated Akufo Adodo, I beg of you, I expect you that when you come, those ones that you went in excess of the regular behavior expected of an MP at least accept that you could have done better.
”Chief Justice, you said ABCD, I think you could have been measured can we deal with it? If you do we should be fine, his response was that that could be suicidal.
”I said, Sam, it doesn’t take anything away, we all make mistakes. A lot of times I go public to apologize. It doesn’t take anything away from me, so please try and see how to balance it in any event, Sam, I’m not the one to destroy your career. I won’t do it.
”That is why I brought in Francis of Assisi prayer and I gave it to him to read. I wanted us to start on a very calm tone and then let him know that I would act in good faith but watch again Sam’s posture, still insisting to the extent that you say Akufo Ado is a beneficiary.
”Go and check Oxford meaning of the word beneficiary, meaning that he financially benefited. This is the man who has been president for eight years. You may have your problem with him, but after he’s left office, you don’t come. I felt that my brother could have done it better.” He explained.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin also disclosed that he expected Sam George to acknowledge that some of his remarks about the Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, were too harsh.
“Then on the issue of the CJ, the way Sam had dealt with the woman, I felt that he could take time and say, look, yes, I criticize her, but I think these words I used were too strong. That was all I was expecting from my brother but Sam was going on and on and on.” He said.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
