Tensions are running high in Parliament as the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, has flatly refused to apologize to former President Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo despite intense pressure from key members of the Minority Caucus.
This comes as the House prepares to vote on the Appointments Committee’s report on Sam George and other ministerial nominees recently vetted by the House.
With Minority MPs refusing to grant consensus approval to Mr. George as Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, his approval process is set to be subjected to a secret vote.
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, ahead of the consideration of the report, Sam George was summoned to a meeting where he was urged to publicly apologize on the floor of Parliament to secure the backing of Akufo-Addo loyalists for his ministerial appointment.
“They have called Hon. Sam George into a meeting and asked him to beg Nana Akufo-Addo and the Chief Justice on the floor of Parliament to enable Akufo-Addo loyalists in Parliament to support his approval as Minister for Communications,” a source disclosed.
However, Sam George reportedly stood his ground, refusing to bow to the demands.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is said to be pushing for a vote on Sam George’s approval, despite uncertainty over whether his caucus fully supports the move.
“Afenyo-Markin has decided to proceed with the vote but is not sure he has his caucus backing his unreasonable stance intended to please Akufo-Addo,” the source further noted.
The situation is further complicated by indications that several MPs, including some from the Minority, have expressed their intention to support Sam George despite the controversy.
To avoid a potentially embarrassing defeat, there are reports that some Minority MPs may choose to abstain from the vote altogether.
“Our latest intelligence is that they would abstain from the vote to save face. We are gathering more information and will share as we receive it,” the source noted.
