Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has praised Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga for his dedication to fostering parliamentary diplomacy.

His comment comes after the Appointments Committee descended into chaos on Thursday evening as tensions between the Majority and Minority escalated into a heated confrontation.

The dispute arose when the Majority insisted on continuing the vetting session past 10 PM, which the Minority strongly opposed.

In the process, tables were overturned, and microphones were damaged, prompting police intervention. After about 30 minutes of confusion, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and other leaders including the police stepped in to restore order.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews' The Probe on Sunday, February 2, Mr Afenyo-Markin acknowledged his role in ensuring smooth engagements between opposing sides in the House during the chaos that erupted on Thursday.

"I want to continuously commend Mahama Ayariga for his industry in leading real parliamentary diplomacy,” he said, acknowledging Ayariga’s efforts in facilitating discussions and ensuring that agreements were upheld.

Meanwhile, the First Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has issued an apology to the public following the chaotic incident.

“Honourable members, last night during our sitting, what started as a disagreement between members of the Committee with regard to vetting some of His Excellency the President’s ministerial nominees degenerated into full-blown physical altercations between members of the committee, leading to the destruction of some furniture and microphones,” he recalled.

He emphasised the significant effects of the unexpected turn of events, explaining that the damage to essential items had disrupted the operations of the committee and tarnished the institution’s reputation and integrity.

He also condemned the chaotic incident taking full responsibility for what transpired and offered an apology to the Speaker of Parliament, the leadership of Parliament, and the public.