Agbodza denies allegations of ‘smuggling’ Ablakwa into vetting chamber

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has refuted claims that Foreign Affairs Minister-designate Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was “smuggled in” for vetting on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Appearing before the committee on Wednesday, February 5, to clarify the situation, Agbodza explained that Ablakwa’s vetting had been scheduled for January 30. However, the process was disrupted when nominees initially slated for vetting on Wednesday, January 29, could not be assessed due to the unexpected appearance of social activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor. This caused a delay that affected the vetting schedule.

Agbodza elaborated on the tension that arose on January 30, as the Majority insisted on proceeding with the vetting despite the Minority’s objections. The Minority argued that the vetting of Ablakwa and Health Minister-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh should not proceed without proper consultation, leading to a standoff. This disagreement resulted in the suspension of four MPs, a decision that Speaker Alban Bagbin later reversed on Tuesday, February 4.

Addressing allegations of a last-minute arrangement, Agbodza stressed that Ablakwa’s vetting had been planned well in advance and was not an attempt to circumvent parliamentary procedures. He clarified that Ablakwa had originally been scheduled for vetting on Thursday, January 30, and the notion that he was smuggled in was unfounded.

Agbodza further explained that the committee had decided to carry forward five nominees from Wednesday, January 29, to be vetted alongside the three candidates originally scheduled for Thursday, January 30. This resulted in a total of eight individuals being considered for vetting that day. The committee’s decision to adjust the schedule, including the additional five nominees, was made with flexibility to accommodate the changes.

He emphasized that the committee had communicated to all parties that eight people would be vetted, and the adjustment to the schedule was a necessary response to the disruptions. The claim that the committee had initially planned to vet only three individuals was inaccurate, as the committee had planned for more, and the process unfolded as intended despite the complications.