Photos: Vetting chaos forces venue change as tables, microphones are destroyed

A chaotic scene that erupted during the Appointments Committee’s vetting session on Thursday evening has forced a change in venue as tables and microphones were destroyed.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, addressing the disorder, made a passionate plea for calm while announcing a change in venue for the continuation of the process.

“Ghana has one of the most beautiful and functioning democracies. The Ghanaian Parliament remains the envy of many parliaments,” he said, emphasising the country’s democratic reputation.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint, warning that the events unfolding could tarnish Ghana’s global image.

“We’ve had an election that was so beautiful—the losing side conceded, and the whole world saw it. Let us not destroy that enviable image we have carved for ourselves.”

The Majority Leader detailed the extent of the destruction that made it impossible to proceed with the vetting.

“We would have continued, but logistically, it is no longer possible. The microphones have all been destroyed, and you know that with the microphones gone, it will be difficult for the media to carry the proceedings live on their various stations,” he explained.

“They may carry the images, but they cannot carry the voice. And vetting is about assessing and evaluating the knowledge of the nominees.”

According to the Bawku Central MP, the technical staff had already closed for the day, and even if they were present, the damaged equipment could not be easily replaced that night.

“The destruction of some of the machines here cannot be easily fixed tonight. So for that reason, it is practically impossible to continue with the remaining nominees,” he stated.

In response to the situation, Mr Ayariga announced that a new venue would be designated for the continuation of the vetting process the following morning.

“Given that the facilities here have been destroyed, by morning, we will designate a new location within the House to continue with the vetting of the nominees,” he assured.

Before concluding, the Majority Leader cautioned all members to remain mindful of the time constraints and the expectations of their supporters.

“All of us have supporters out there, and we all need to satisfy them. When we are vetting, let’s make good use of the time allocated to us so that we can be efficient,” he urged.

“We need to vet as many people as possible so that we can have the ministers at the various ministries functioning and delivering on the commitments that Ghanaians endorsed.”