‘Lord, Grant Me Patience’ – Afenyo-Markin Clashes with Ahiafor During Supreme Court Vetting
Tensions erupted during the vetting of Justice Hafisata Amaleboba as Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin and Committee Chair Bernard Ahiafor engaged in a heated exchange over procedural disagreements.
- Afenyo-Markin accused Ahiafor of blocking questions during vetting
- Ahiafor ruled a question repetitive, sparking a tense exchange
- Chairman Ahiafor stood firm, declaring he would not be intimidated
A fiery confrontation erupted on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the vetting of Supreme Court nominee Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, when tensions flared between Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The disagreement broke out after Afenyo-Markin posed a question that Ahiafor deemed repetitive, asserting it had already been asked and answered. Interrupting the Minority Leader, Ahiafor ruled that the nominee should not respond, citing procedural rules.
This decision sparked a sharp rebuke from Afenyo-Markin, who accused the chairman of intentionally stalling the process.
“Chairman, if you want to collapse this vetting, I’ll oblige. But stop what you’re doing. The nation is watching. If you want to discharge the nominee and end this now, I’m fine with that,” he snapped.
He further alleged that Ahiafor was deliberately blocking the vetting of the nominee, defending his line of questioning as valid and thoroughly prepared.
In response, Ahiafor remained resolute, dismissing claims of bias and vowing not to be swayed.
“My response is simple. The public isn’t just watching me—they’re watching all of us. I will not be intimidated. I have an indomitable spirit, and I stand by my ruling. The question has already been addressed and the nominee will not answer it again,” he declared.
The confrontation underscored the escalating tension within the Appointments Committee as it continues its review of President John Dramani Mahama’s Supreme Court nominee.
