Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that he was the primary target of the chaos that erupted during the recent ministerial vetting in Parliament.
Testifying before the special committee set up to investigate the disturbances, Ablakwa recounted how tensions quickly escalated upon his entry into the vetting room. He described a scene of violence and destruction of property, stating, “What I saw was a degeneration into violence, destruction of property. As soon as I entered, I was greeted with hostilities. It was clear to me that I was the target. They did not want to have me vetted that day.”
Ablakwa suggested that the sequence of the vetting process was manipulated in an effort to delay or block his appearance before the committee. He pointed out that other nominees, like Joseph Bukari Nikpe, who was originally scheduled to be vetted after him, were instead moved ahead without any issues.
He also highlighted the unexpected vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister nominee, who was called in despite his original vetting date being set for January 31. “Nobody gave me any information. Even Hon. Akandoh, who was to appear before me, has just confirmed that he was supposed to appear the next day. But he was suddenly called to come ahead,” Ablakwa said.
His remarks come amid growing tensions surrounding the vetting process and raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the proceedings.
