Chaos at ministerial vetting is a reflection of who we are – Ohene Ntow

Senior Advisor to Alan Kyerematen, Nana Ohene Ntow, has expressed deep concerns over the current state of Ghana’s Parliament.

He said the chaotic scenes witnessed during the vetting of ministerial appontees on January 30 reflects the state of country and how its people behave.

While contributing to discussions on the Keypoints on February 1, he described the unfolding drama in Parliament as “disgraceful” and “chaotic,” arguing that the behavior of parliamentarians, especially in recent confrontations, is undermining public trust in the institution.

“Whatever is happening on the streets, in markets, or with the prices of goods and services, is simply a reflection of what is happening inside the President’s Cabinet.

Unfortunately, what we see in Parliament today is not only disappointing but also deeply troubling,” he commented.

Ntow went on to compare his experience of serving as General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party under President Kufuor’s administration, noting that the President’s ability to manage the Cabinet and handle sensitive issues set the tone for the country’s overall governance.

He pointed out that an orderly and effective cabinet leads to an orderly society, while the present state of Parliament signals trouble.

Addressing the ongoing tussle between the Minority and Majority  in Parliament, Ntow also commented on the “macho” posturing from the Minority side.

He pointed to the behavior of certain parliamentarians, particularly the questioning style of Alexander Afenyo-Markin, as unnecessary and overbearing.

According to Ntow, such tactics serve only to escalate tensions rather than address critical issues.

He emphasized that while it’s important to question ministerial nominees, the focus should be on pertinent matters related to governance, economic development, and policy-making.

Unfortunately, many questions have strayed into irrelevant areas, such as the private religious beliefs of nominees and their alleged affiliations with secret societies.

Ntow questioned the usefulness of such inquiries, urging Parliament to concentrate on the issues that truly matter to Ghanaians.
“How does spending valuable time on these personal issues help the citizens of Ghana who need leaders who can address the pressing issues of survival, economic stability, and good governance?” he asked.

Ntow’s sentiments align with growing public frustration about the quality of debates in Parliament, where political grandstanding often takes precedence over national interest.

Ntow also expressed concerns about the leadership within Parliamentary committees.

He criticized the committee chairman  Bernard Ahiafor,  for failing to maintain order during contentious sessions, suggesting that more decisive leadership is required to prevent chaotic situations from spiraling out of control.

He highlighted that a simple decision to take a break or temporarily suspend sittings could have diffused tensions and allowed for better resolution.

While he did not advocate for the removal of the chairman,  Ntow called for introspection and improvement in their management of parliamentary procedures.

He warned that without better handling of contentious situations, the committee chairman risks receiving a share of the blame for the dysfunction.

Ntow also discussed the recent suspension of three Members of Parliament by the Speaker, which has sparked a strong response from the Minority.

The opposition has issued statements decrying the action as unfair, but Ntow remained critical of the overall conduct in Parliament.

He maintained that regardless of the specific circumstances surrounding the suspension, the broader issue remains the lack of respect for the institution itself.

“What does it mean to call someone ‘honorable’ when their behavior doesn’t reflect the dignity of the title? It’s a sad state of affairs when Parliament is no longer seen as a place of serious governance but a stage for personal disputes and theatrical posturing,” Ntow concluded.

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