Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has accused members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament of undermining the authority of the Appointments Committee Chairman during the chaotic vetting session on Thursday, January 30.
Testifying before the investigative committee looking into the disturbances, Ablakwa stated that the NPP MPs displayed open hostility toward him and his visitors, creating an unpleasant atmosphere.
“It was a regrettable situation,” he noted. “Not only was the authority of the Appointments Committee Chairman disregarded, but my visitors and I were also subjected to unwarranted hostility. This is not how parliamentary proceedings should be conducted.”
Ablakwa described the chaos as an embarrassment to the legislative process, stressing that such incidents damage the credibility of Parliament.
He pointed out that the disruption made it impossible for the vetting to proceed smoothly, ultimately casting doubt on the integrity of the exercise.
“Parliament must be a place of order and mutual respect, yet what transpired that night was a blatant act of defiance against leadership,” he stated.
He called on the committee to ensure that such misconduct does not recur, urging MPs to uphold the principles of parliamentary democracy.
“Moving forward, we must reaffirm our commitment to discipline and respect for leadership. Undermining the Appointments Committee Chairman sets a dangerous precedent that must not be encouraged,” Ablakwa added.
GA/MA
