The Majority caucus on the Appointments Committee has recommended the approval of all four deputy minister nominees vetted on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, despite the absence of the Minority caucus during the decision-making process.
The Minority’s boycott followed a disagreement between the Committee Chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, over an exchange that unfolded during the vetting session.
Tensions escalated when Afenyo-Markin asked Deputy Attorney-General and Justice Minister-designate Justice Srem-Sai to demonstrate a traditional dance, a request the Chairman strongly opposed.
Offended by the ruling, Afenyo-Markin accused the Chairman of being “whimsical” and “rudely interrupting” him, arguing that the Minority was being treated unfairly.
After a ten-minute suspension, the Minority caucus returned but refused to support the approval of any of the nominees, citing concerns over the conduct of the vetting process.
Despite their opposition, the Majority caucus proceeded with its recommendation to approve the following nominees:
- Yussif Sulemana – Deputy Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources
- Justice Srem-Sai – Deputy Minister-designate for Justice and Attorney General
- Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini – Deputy Minister-designate for Roads and Highways
- Yussif Issaka Jajah – Deputy Minister-designate for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts