Sam George condemns Afenyo-Markin’s conduct towards clerk

The Minister-nominee for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has criticized the behavior of Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Ranking Member of the Appointments Committee, towards the Clerk of the Committee, Gifty Jiagge Gobah.

Minority MPs on the committee accused Mrs. Gobah of sidelining them in key aspects of the vetting process, particularly during the session for Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

They alleged that under the previous administration, the same clerk had ensured that the then-Minority received draft reports before they were signed.
Expressing his outrage in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, February 2, Sam George labeled Afenyo-Markin’s conduct as “shameful” and “misogynistic,” insisting that such behavior was unbecoming of a leader in Ghana’s Parliament.

“I am appalled at the despicable behaviour of @AfenyoMarkin towards Madam Gifty Jiagge Gobah—the Clerk to the Appointments Committee of @parliament_gh,” Sam George wrote.

He emphasized that Mrs. Gobah deserves respect and called on Parliament and society at large to condemn Afenyo-Markin’s actions. He also urged the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, to formally raise the issue with the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

Highlighting Parliament’s recent passage of the Affirmative Action Law, he argued that such “uncouth behavior” should not go unaddressed.

Addressing Mrs. Gobah directly, Sam George praised her composure in the face of adversity:

“Madam Gifty Jiagge Gobah, I and many more decent people stand with you. Be encouraged and stand strong with your head held high. Your poise and composure even when you were under the barrage of insults is remarkable. Such a role model for our daughters.”

Meanwhile, addressing the media in Parliament on Friday following the chaotic scenes at the vetting session, the Minority Leader expressed outrage over what he described as the Clerk’s deliberate attempts to sideline the Minority.

He recounted past experiences where she allegedly ensured that the then-Minority had their say before reports were signed but claimed that she now operates in the shadows, keeping the present Minority in the dark.

“This same clerk today would advertise those who have been scheduled for vetting at midnight without notice to us as the Minority. Reports get signed, and the first time the Minority will see the report will be on the floor,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

He also expressed frustration over an incident on Thursday when the Majority was left waiting while the NDC caucus went ahead with voting without their knowledge.

Vowing not to let the issue rest, Afenyo-Markin warned that the Minority would take decisive action.
“We will not spare her. We will go all out to deal with her per the law if she will not change!” he declared.

He further emphasized that the Minority would not be intimidated, sending a strong warning to those who seek to undermine their role in Parliament.

“We are the mighty few. Mighty Minority. We will not surrender. We will not give up. And we know that, God willing, fortune will smile at us come 2028,” he added.