Nana Akomea, former Minister for Information, has sharply criticized Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Assurance Committee, for what he views as an unwarranted attack on Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the current Minister for Works and Housing.
The confrontation began when Ablakwa, during a committee meeting, demanded that Nkrumah retract and apologize for his comments, which Ablakwa described as a misuse of his position—a “bully pulpit.”
This controversy unfolded amid growing concerns over delays in finalizing housing projects for victims of the Akosombo dam spillage. Ablakwa accused Nkrumah of making inappropriate remarks and called for a formal apology.
Minister Nkrumah responded by questioning whether he was not permitted to address and defend himself against the criticisms.
Despite Nkrumah’s defense, Ablakwa maintained that his demand for a retraction and apology was valid, emphasizing that his actions were in line with parliamentary standing orders.
“Honourable Minister you will be well advised to watch your diction. You will be well advised. You will be well advised. I will not take that. To suggest that I am using this position as a bully pulpit.”
“You have to retract that because that is not what I am doing here. You must retract and apologise. I am well within my standing orders. You have to retract that. You have to retract and apologise,” he stated.
However, Mr. Nkrumah countered by questioning whether it was appropriate for the committee chairman to accuse him of insincerity and deflection without granting him the opportunity to respond or present an alternative perspective.
He stressed that he should have the right to address any allegations of insincerity or distraction, asserting that he deserved a chance to defend his position.
But Mr Nkrumah replied, questioning if it was acceptable for the chairman of the committee to accuse him of being insincere and deflecting without allowing him the right to respond or share a different view.
He emphasised that if he is accused of insincerity or introducing red herrings, he must have the right to respond.
During a discussion on Metro TV, Nana Akomea, Managing Director of Intercity STC, advised Okudzeto Ablakwa, his fellow panelist, that he could have approached the situation more effectively without targeting the Minister.
“Clearly, Sammy, I don’t think you acted well. You are talking about the victims, the 1,300 people. All of us are concerned about the plight of these people living in tents for over a year. The concern is that their plight is addressed; that is why you brought the minister to the committee to find out how the government is going to deal with their plight.
“But you see, in all of the week, what is being discussed is not the plight of these people. What is being discussed is your attack on the minister and his counterattack. You are entitled to your facts, and he’s also entitled to his facts. Both of you, your entitlement to the fact is what is being discussed now, instead of the plight.
“What I am saying is that the people who appear before you are your guests. You have invited them; you can be forthright with them, but you have to protect their integrity, but you didn’t do that. So, that was a problem. I disagree with your conduct at the sitting, but I am not going to attack you. I will not say you were arrogant; you will see that as a personal attack.” Nana Akomea said.