The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has issued an unreserved apology to the Clerk of the Appointments Committee, Mrs. Gifty Jiagge Gobah, following his earlier accusations of bias and procedural lapses during the vetting process.
Afenyo-Markin had previously criticized the Clerk, alleging that her conduct favored the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and calling for her resignation.
His remarks sparked controversy, with opposition MPs arguing that her actions compromised the neutrality of the vetting process.
However, during a parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, Adaklu MP and Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, urged Afenyo-Markin to retract his statements and apologize. In response, Afenyo-Markin expressed regret for his comments, acknowledging the distress they may have caused to Mrs. Gobah and her family.
“My reaction on the conduct of our Clerk has resulted in some trauma to the family,” he admitted. “Mr. Speaker, let me unreservedly say, to the Clerk to the Appointments Committee, Mrs. Gifty Jiagge Gobah, I am sorry.”
Extending his apology beyond Mrs. Gobah, Afenyo-Markin also addressed her husband, children, extended family, and colleagues in the Parliamentary Service. “If, as a husband, he is traumatized by this, I hereby unreservedly apologize to him… To the children, let me unreservedly say sorry,” he added.
He further acknowledged that he could have handled the matter differently and expressed his commitment to fostering a better working relationship despite lingering reservations.
“I again apologize unreservedly. And I know that we’d all discuss, and I know that we would be able to work better,” he concluded.
Afenyo-Markin also stated that he would personally write to Mrs. Gobah to formally express his regret. His apology marks a de-escalation of tensions following heated exchanges over the Clerk’s role in the vetting process.
