From L to R; Afenyo-Markin, Dzifa Gomashie and Bernard Ahiafor
During Dzifa Abla Gomashie’s vetting as minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Afenyo-Markin, a ranking member of the Appointments Committee, took the opportunity to ask her questions that delved into her personal life, including her background, social life, and even her place of residence.
Afenyo-Markin focused on a section of Dzifa Gomashie’s CV that listed her current place of residence as Lakeside Estate in Accra, a detail that clicked his interest.
He proceeded to ask if she owned the property, to which Dzifa Gomashie confirmed she did.
He then inquired about the “root of title” for the house; the original owner from whom she acquired the property.
Not stopping there, he further asked if she would be willing to provide the committee’s leadership with the root of title if requested.
At this point, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, intervened, questioning why Afenyo-Markin was probing so deeply into aspects of the nominee’s personal life, particularly in a manner that seemed more like an investigation.
Bernard Ahiafor said Afenyo-Markin’s line of questioning was akin to being part of the “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) team, a five-member initiative recently appointed by President-elect John Dramani Mahama to lead the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
Afenyo-Markin, who also serves as the Minority Leader in Parliament, responded, stating that the tables had turned at that particular moment and the ruling administration was now experiencing the same scrutiny it is applying to others.
Here’s how things unfolded:
Afenyo-Markin: “You indicated in your CV that you live at Lakeside Estate, Adenta, Accra. *Mentions house number*. Is that your own property?”
Dzifa Gomashie: “Mr. Chairman, it is my own property. Thank you.”
Afenyo-Markin: “From whom did your root of title originate? The person from whom you originally acquired the property?”
Dzifa Gomashie: “I bought it from the Lakeside Company.”
Afenyo-Markin: “So Lakeside acquired the land from the government, as we can see from your lease?”
Dzifa Gomashie: “Mr. Chairman, I do not recall the details. I had a lawyer who facilitated the transaction, and I do not recall the specifics.”
Afenyo-Markin: “If given the opportunity, would you be willing to share the title with the leadership of the committee, so we can understand the root of the title?”
Dzifa Gomashie: “I certainly would, if it is demanded.”
Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor: “Hon. Ranking Member, it’s as if you’re part of ORAL.”
Afenyo-Markin: “A little bit of medication on your tongue, and you see how it is!”
Dzifa Gomashie appeared before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, for her vetting, which will determine her confirmation as the substantive Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts.
She was nominated for the position on January 16, 2025, in a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to the President.
Having served as Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture under the Mahama administration from 2013 to 2017, Dzifa Gomashie is also a two-term Member of Parliament for the Ketu South Constituency, where she has been an advocate for development and community empowerment initiatives.
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