A recent national poll by Global InfoAnalytics reveals widespread concern about Ghana’s parliamentary vetting process.
Up to 77% of Ghanaians believing the Appointments Committee is using its platform for political point-scoring rather than assessing nominees’ competence and suitability.
This perception has sparked significant debate about the integrity of parliamentary oversight and its implications for effective governance.
The survey, conducted between January 30th and February 1st, 2025, shows mixed reviews for the committee’s performance, with 63% of respondents expressing satisfaction with its work, though only 28% indicate they are “very satisfied” or “extremely satisfied.”
A significant 37% remain dissatisfied with the committee’s performance.
Committee leadership has drawn contrasting public reactions.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor maintains modest support with 56% approval, though 44% express dissatisfaction with his performance, including 19% who are “not satisfied at all.”
In contrast, the opposition’s ranking member and Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, faces stronger criticism, with 64% disapproving of his performance and 44% indicating they are “not satisfied at all.”
Recent controversies surrounding the Appointments Committee shape this public perception
Recent controversies have fuelled public distrust in the vetting process. The committee’s sessions have been marred by chaos and disorderly conduct, particularly during the vetting of nominees.
Disagreements between the Minority and Majority Caucuses have led to physical altercations and the destruction of public property. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, condemned the altercation, describing it as “disgraceful” and indicative of a lack of emotional intelligence among members. He subsequently established a seven-member special committee to investigate the incident.
Despite this, the public’s engagement with the vetting process remains high, with 88% of respondents actively following the committee’s work, according to the Global InfoAnalytics report.
The survey results come as President Mahama’s appointments have generally received strong public backing, with 90% of voters expressing satisfaction with his selections.
This contrast between approval of the appointees and criticism of the vetting process highlights public frustration with political theatrics in parliament.
The poll also revealed strong public support (79%) for the Speaker’s recent decision to suspend four members of parliament.
The survey, which sampled 952 respondents through both online and field interviews, carries a margin of error of ±3.20% at a 95% confidence level.
