Afenyo-Markin defends vetting exemption for Greater Accra Minister-designate

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the Appointments Committee’s decision to excuse Greater Accra Regional Minister-designate, Linda Obenewaa Ocloo Akweley, from questioning during her vetting.

The move has sparked criticism, with many questioning the rationale behind allowing the nominee to walk away without scrutiny.

Ocloo Akweley, who arrived at the vetting with bipartisan support, including NPP and NDC officials, was excused after a brief introduction.

Speaking on Channel One TV, Afenyo-Markin justified the decision, stating that committee members were already aware of the strengths and weaknesses of nominees.

“Sometimes, you look at certain situations and want to balance it,” he explained.

Rejecting suggestions that time constraints influenced the decision, he also dismissed claims that the nominee’s influential backing played a role.

“Those placed at the lowest ebb of fortune are equally entitled to our regard, aren’t they?” he remarked.

While critics argue that skipping the questioning process undermines accountability, Afenyo-Markin insisted that such exemptions have precedents, citing late statesman J.H. Mensah.