Minority walkout clears path for swift vetting of Mahama’s ministerial nominees

The vetting of President John Mahama’s ministerial nominees proceeded rapidly after the Minority staged a dramatic walkout on Friday.

Tensions flared during the session for Foreign Affairs Minister-nominee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa when Ranking Member Alexander Afenyo-Markin clashed with the Speaker’s decision to reshuffle the Appointments Committee.

Displeased with the ruling, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus withdrew, allowing National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs to continue unopposed.

This led to an expedited vetting process, with seven nominees cleared in under three hours—far quicker than earlier sessions.

With all 42 nominees vetted, the committee is set to compile its final report.

The political standoff highlights growing friction over parliamentary oversight under Mahama’s administration.