The Minority in Parliament has protested the decision of the Chair of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor to abruptly end the vetting of Deputy Attorney General nominee, Justice Srem-Sai.

During the vetting session on Wednesday, February 26, the Minority leader and Co-Chair of the Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as an unfair and high-handed approach by the Chair.

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"We are protesting your conduct in abruptly ending the nominee’s vetting on the grounds that I refused to withdraw my dissatisfaction with your ruling. I described your actions as whimsical and capricious, and I also noted that you rudely made those expressions. We do not think that, in the spirit of cooperation, you should put up such a posture," he stated.

The Minority leader further cited what they saw as a pattern of unfair treatment throughout the proceedings. Mr Afenyo-Markin pointed out that earlier in the day, the Weija-Gbawe MP, Ahmed Jerry Shaib had also faced an unjust interruption. He noted that when he, as the leader of the caucus, attempted to ask questions, he was met with repeated disruptions, including from the Attorney General and the Majority Chief Whip.

"The Attorney General himself interrupted, yet you curiously claimed you never heard him. Then the Majority Chief Whip also disrupted the session, though not into the microphone. This was clearly aimed at obstructing the smooth vetting process. Eventually, you allowed him to ask a so-called follow-up question," he added.

Expressing their displeasure, the Minority Caucus announced its decision to reject the nomination of Justice Srem Sai as Deputy Attorney General, stating that any approval would be solely the decision of the Majority.

"Let me conclude as follows: the Minority Caucus hereby rejects the nomination of the Deputy Attorney General. That decision will be solely yours as a Majority Caucus. In light of our protest, we are also rejecting all other nominees vetted today, and any decision taken will remain yours," Afenyo-Markin declared.

He further emphasised that should the Chair’s posture persist, the Minority would reconsider its participation in future vetting sessions.

"As we prepare to receive the President tomorrow, we understand that there will be no vetting on Friday. However, if this posture continues, we will advise ourselves on the next course of action," he warned.