Vetting Committee chair was needlessly raising his voice, showing machoism — Joe Wise

Joseph Osei Owusu, the immediate past First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has criticized Bernard Ahiafor, the chairman of the Appointments Committee for his approach during recent vetting proceedings.

The former Bekwai MP described Ahiafor’s behavior as “needlessly raising his voice and showing a tendency to show machoism.”

In an interview on Accra-based Joy News’ Upfront on Thursday, January 16, Osei Owusu, who also chaired the Appointments Committee in the previous Parliament, expressed surprise over the conduct of his successor.

“I haven’t even watched any of the proceedings,” he said, “but I’ve seen, in a particular case, somebody forwarded to me, that my friend chairman was needlessly raising his voice and showing a tendency to show machoism.”

According to him, his style differs from that of the current chairman.

“We are all colleagues, and our duty is to ensure that the person qualifies in accordance with the Constitution and that he can do the work he has been nominated to do,” said the veteran lawmaker.

“I was a bit surprised to see how hard-faced the chairman of the committee was addressing one of the members of the committee. That is not my style,” Joe Wise remarked.

Highlighting his belief in the importance of rules and law, Osei Owusu explained that while he values order, he insists on constructive and efficient questioning.

“I believe strongly in the rules. I believe strongly in law and order. So if you’re going off board, I’ll bring you back,” he said.

The minority in Parliament has also criticized the chair of the Appointments Committee, accusing him of being overly partisan in his dealings with committee members.