Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has formally apologized to Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, following his controversial remarks that led to chaos during the vetting of ministerial nominees.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on February 4, 2025, Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed regret for his comments, which accused Jiagge-Gobah of partisanship in favor of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
His remarks, made during a heated outburst captured live on television last week, had contributed to a brawl among committee members, forcing the suspension of proceedings.
Yesterday, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, warned that he would be referred to the Privileges Committee if he failed to render an unqualified apology.
NDC MP Governs Kwame Agbodza Governs brought up the issue in defense of Sam George's opposition by the Minority as he urged the NPP Leader Mr Afenyo-Markin to show remorse.
Mr Afenyo-Markin responded: "Let me unreserved say to the clerk, to the appointment committee, Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, I am sorry."
"Let me also say to her husband. Let me also say to the lovely husband that my comment in respect of the internal matter, if, as a husband, he is traumatized by this, I hereby unreservedly apologize to him as a husband. To the children, let me unreservedly say sorry to the children. Let me unreservedly say sorry to the extended family, those close and dear to her, who are affected by my outpour of disappointment in her conduct. And to all her colleagues in the parliamentary service, including colleagues who felt that I could have managed the matter better, Mr Speaker, I'm sorry. I again apologize unreservedly…," he said.
Meanwhile, Sam George's approval will be decided by a majority decision.
Despite this opposition, Sam George and all other ministerial nominees are expected to be approved by consensus. The nominees include:
Dr. Rashid Pelpuo – Minister for Employment
Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister for Science and Technology
Samuel Nartey George – Minister for Communications
Kofi Adams – Minister for Sports
Joseph Bukari Nikpe – Minister for Transport
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