Mahama Ayariga criticizes Afenyo-Markin for neglecting his duties during the vetting of Linda Ocloo
Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga has strongly criticized Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for allegedly neglecting his responsibilities during the vetting of Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on February 5, 2025, Ayariga expressed disappointment in Afenyo-Markin’s admission that he had been persuaded not to scrutinize Ocloo thoroughly. He described this as an unacceptable neglect of duty, insisting that the Minority Leader must be held accountable.
“As a Minority Leader, you have the obligation to do your work well, and if he would sit on television and say that he was begged not to do his work and didn’t do his work, he should probably be held accountable,” Ayariga stated.
The controversy stems from the unusually brief vetting session, which lasted only six minutes. Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, suggested that the presence of influential figures, including chiefs and three former Greater Accra Regional Ministers—Henry Quartey, Titus Glover, and Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo—played a role in the committee’s decision not to scrutinize Ocloo intensively.
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Ayariga acknowledged that lobbying is a common practice in politics but argued that agreeing to be lobbied should not come at the expense of due diligence.
He emphasized that vetting is crucial in assessing a nominee’s competence, particularly in communication and governance skills.
The issue has sparked a broader debate on the integrity of the vetting process, with concerns that political influence may be undermining the scrutiny of government appointees.
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