The Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman, has criticised Parliament’s Appointments Committees in recent years, describing them as more of a “theatre” than a platform for serious deliberations. This follows clashes at Monday’s vetting including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s clash with Chairman Bernard Ahiafor, which has sparked public debate.
Critics call the Minority Leader’s actions disruptive, while supporters view them as fulfilling his role in ensuring accountability
In an interview on Joy FM’s Newsnight on Tuesday, January 14, Dr. Draman expressed concern over the committee’s increasingly partisan nature, where debates and disagreements often appear driven by political allegiances rather than a focus on the national interest.
“The Appointments Committee, over the years, for me, has become, if you like, a theatre rather than a place for very sober reflections,” Dr. Draman stated.
He noted that the committee’s role is to scrutinise nominees entrusted with leading the country’s affairs and ensure their competence, but partisanship often overshadows this critical mandate.
Dr. Draman questioned why disagreements within the committee consistently arise along party lines, particularly between the chair and members from opposing parties.
He argued that such conduct undermines the committee’s purpose, which is to assess nominees objectively and transparently.
“If the committee is really minded to do a job for this country and not just for partisan gain, why don’t they hold strategic meetings to develop clear approaches to handling nominees?” he asked.
Highlighting the broader significance of parliamentary committees as the “engine rooms” of any legislature, Dr. Draman stressed the need for the Appointments Committee to avoid theatrics, adding that such behaviour should be left to the plenary and not be transferred to critical committees responsible for shaping the nation’s leadership.
“For me, I think this must stop. They need to get their act in order and put aside their partisan considerations. Their focus should be on ensuring that the nominees presented by His Excellency the President are people who can truly do the work,” Dr. Draman urged.
Source: Emma Ankrah– Joy News
