Clerk to appointments committee  must resign – Minority Leader

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called for the resignation of Gifty Jiagge-Gobah, the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, accusing her of partisanship and bias towards the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

His comments follow a heated clash between the Majority and Minority caucuses during a vetting session, which led to disruptions and chaos. Addressing journalists, Afenyo-Markin alleged that the Clerk had consistently acted in favour of the NDC, disregarding due process and sidelining the Minority.

“This clerk to the committee has shown her colours that she is of the NDC caucus. We are going to officially write to the Clerk to Parliament to withdraw this lady from the Appointments Committee. And that lady must either resign as a parliamentary staffer or change her posture without delay,” he asserted.

The Minority Leader further criticised Jiagge-Gobah’s handling of vetting schedules and reports, claiming that her actions had disadvantaged the Minority.

He recalled that during the NDC’s time in government, the same Clerk ensured that the Minority had access to reports before they were signed.

However, he alleged that under the current administration, reports were finalised without Minority input, often being advertised at midnight without prior notice.

Afenyo-Markin revealed that despite attempts to engage her privately to resolve these concerns, Jiagge-Gobah had failed to address them.

He insisted that she either step down or change her approach immediately.

“When we were in government, this same clerk, will insist, that the Minority must have its say and read through reports before it is signed by the chair. This same clerk today, will advertise those who have been scheduled for vetting at midnight without notice to us as Minority. Reports get signed, and the first time the Minority will see the report will be on the floor. But I am supposed to see the draft, go through it, and share my concerns before it is signed. But on a number of occasions, I try to engage her quietly to resolve these things. Not even once, has this NDC clerk brought a report to my attention.”

His remarks have intensified tensions surrounding the Appointments Committee’s recent vetting process, which had already been marred by disruptions and accusations of bias from both sides of the House.

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