Drama unfolded on Monday, January 13, 2025 during the vetting of Attorney General-designate Dr. Dominic Ayine by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin staged a walkout in protest.
The incident began when Suame Member of Parliament (MP) John Darko raised a question about a potential conflict of interest involving Dr. Ayine’s law firm.
The Chairman of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor noted that the nominee had already addressed the issue, but Mr. Darko insisted on revisiting it.
Chairman Ahiafor ruled the question out of order, prompting a heated exchange. Mr. Darko accused the Chairman of being unfair and suppressing his line of questioning.
The tension escalated further when Mr. Afenyo-Markin sided with Mr. Darko, alleging unfair treatment against members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the Committee.
“Chairman, with the greatest respect, I have observed consistently the way you go at my members, especially the young ones, the new ones. It's not the right way. I've been quietly watching, and I will just be pinching you, ‘Mr. Chairman, please take it easy. Take it easy.’ But the way it is going, it is not too right,” the Minority Leader remarked.
Despite Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s objections, Chairman Ahiafor stood by his decision, refusing to allow the question.
Frustrated by the Chairman's stance, Mr. Afenyo-Markin exited the proceedings, leaving behind a charged atmosphere.