It’s part of it – Afenyo-Markin defends parliament’s handling of Linda Ocloo’s vetting

Alexander Afenyo-Markin has justified the Appointments Committee’s decision to forgo questioning Linda Obenewaa Ocloo Akweley, the Greater Accra Regional Minister-designate, during her vetting.

The process, which typically involves extensive scrutiny, took an unexpected turn when Ocloo’s session lasted only a moment, making it the shortest vetting ever conducted in Ghana’s 9th Parliament.

As soon as she took her seat, many expected the usual line of questioning, but instead, the Minority Leader and ranking member of the committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, acknowledged her presence and seemingly ended the session.

This unprecedented approach raised concerns among political observers and the public, with many questioning why she was not subjected to the same level of scrutiny as her colleagues. Addressing the matter, Afenyo-Markin explained that the decision was not an oversight or due to time constraints but rather a strategic balance.

“Well, it’s part of it. When you ask too many questions, you are in trouble. When you don’t ask at all, you are in trouble,” he stated, suggesting that no approach ever fully satisfies everyone.

He added, “We know the strength of those who appear before us, and we know their weaknesses. Sometimes, you look at certain situations and you want to balance it.”

Dismissing claims that Ocloo’s vetting was cut short due to time limitations, he insisted, “It wasn’t a matter of time, no, no.

But those placed at the lowest ebb of fortune are equally entitled to our regard, aren’t they?” While he did not elaborate further, this suggested that considerations beyond the standard vetting framework played a role in how Ocloo’s session was handled.

When Ocloo took her seat, rather than launching into questioning, Afenyo-Markin instead offered words of praise, saying, “Honorable Linda Ocloo is a remarkable member of this House.”

That was it—no follow-up, no grilling, no back-and-forth. This moment left political commentators divided.

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