Deputy Speaker Faces Claims of Unfair Rulings
The Minority in Parliament accused First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor of showing strong bias toward the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on June 9, 2025. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin claimed Ahiafor’s rulings during debates unfairly favored the NPP, blocking fair discussions in the House.
The accusations came during a heated session where the Minority tried to raise concerns about recent government decisions. Afenyo-Markin said Ahiafor dismissed their motions without proper review, especially one seeking a probe into public service job terminations after December 7, 2024. The Minority called this a clear sign of partiality.
Ahiafor, who chairs the Appointments Committee, has faced similar complaints before. In January 2025, the Minority accused him of blocking thorough vetting of ministerial nominees, claiming he protected NPP interests. These repeated clashes have raised tensions in Parliament, with the Minority feeling sidelined.
The Minority urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to step in and ensure fair treatment. They warned that Ahiafor’s actions could harm Parliament’s credibility and deepen distrust. The NPP Majority has not yet responded to the claims, but the issue is likely to spark more debate in upcoming sessions.
As Parliament works on key issues like new laws and budgets, the Minority’s complaints highlight growing concerns about fairness. The situation could affect how smoothly the House operates, with calls for Ahiafor to act impartially to restore trust.