Ghanaian lawmakers clash in parliament, destroying properties

|Published 11:35 AM ET, Friday January 31, 2025|

ACCRA: On Thursday night, Ghana’s parliament descended into chaos during a session of the Appointments Committee. Lawmakers from both the majority and minority factions engaged in physical confrontations, resulting in the destruction of parliamentary property, including tables, microphones, and sound equipment. The altercation was severe enough to necessitate police intervention to restore order.

The dispute arose over the scheduling of the vetting process for ministerial nominees. The minority proposed rescheduling the vetting to Friday, January 31, 2025, citing concerns over the day’s loaded proceedings. However, majority members rejected this suggestion, insisting that the vetting should continue as scheduled. This disagreement escalated into chaos, with minority members disrupting the session by breaking tables and microphones in an effort to prevent any delay.

In the aftermath, the chairman of the committee apologized to the public, labeling the incident as “totally unacceptable.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and professionalism within the parliamentary proceedings.

This incident has sparked widespread criticism and concern among citizens and political analysts. Many view it as a significant setback for Ghana’s democratic image, highlighting deep-seated divisions within the nation’s political landscape. The event underscores the urgent need for comprehensive parliamentary reforms to foster constructive dialogue and uphold the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions