Vetting Showdown: ‘I Have an Indomitable Spirit, I Won’t Be Intimidated’ – Ahiafor Confronts Afenyo-Markin

A heated exchange unfolded on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, during the vetting of Supreme Court nominee Justice Hafisata Amaleboba, as tensions flared between the Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

The clash erupted after Afenyo-Markin posed a question which Chairman Ahiafor deemed repetitive and therefore inadmissible. Citing procedural rules, Ahiafor directed that the nominee should not respond.

This led to a sharp rebuke from Afenyo-Markin, who accused the chairman of stifling the vetting process.

“If your intention is to halt this vetting, I’m ready to walk away. Stop what you’re doing—the entire nation is watching. If you want us to end this session, we’ll just discharge her and leave,” Afenyo-Markin retorted.

He further alleged that Ahiafor was intentionally blocking legitimate scrutiny of the nominee.

“If your plan is to prevent a proper vetting of this Supreme Court nominee, go ahead. But don’t say the question is out of order—I’ve researched thoroughly and know exactly what I’m asking,” he argued.

In response, Ahiafor firmly rejected the accusation of bias and stood his ground.

“I have a brief answer for you. The public isn’t just watching me—they’re watching all of us. And let me be clear: I will not be intimidated. I have an indomitable spirit. My ruling stands—the question has already been addressed and will not be answered again,” he declared.

The fiery confrontation underscored mounting tensions within the committee as it proceeds with vetting President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee to the Supreme Court.