In recent news, Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, addressed allegations that he was involved in a fight during a vetting session on January 30, 2025. He clarified that he was not fighting but simply trying to restore order. While Dafeamekpor said his actions were to stop any conflict, I disagree with his explanation. Let's look at this situation carefully and see why his actions may not have been as peaceful as he claims.
First, Dafeamekpor admitted that there was physical contact during the incident. He said that he had his hands up, and his colleague, Alhassan Tampuli, grabbed his clothes. This shows that there was some sort of physical interaction. Whether or not he intended to fight, physical contact can lead to arguments or fights. If someone grabs your clothes, it is difficult to say that everything is peaceful, especially if it leads to people getting upset.
Second, Dafeamekpor mentioned that he helped free the MP for Tano South, Charles Asiedu, from Tampuli’s grip. While it may seem like a good action, it’s important to think about why the MP for Tano South was in trouble in the first place. If the session had been peaceful, there might not have been any need for someone to be trapped or for anyone to intervene. The fact that there was an argument at all shows that the situation was already out of control.
Moreover, Dafeamekpor’s comment about the minority party trying to stop the proceedings is also questionable. If both sides were focused on doing their jobs, the situation would have been different. Instead of focusing on blaming the minority, all MPs, including Dafeamekpor, should have worked together to maintain order. If the session had been run smoothly from the beginning, it might not have led to the chaos and confusion that happened.
Finally, Dafeamekpor’s claim that the situation ended well because Tampuli smiled and let go of his clothes may seem like a way to downplay the seriousness of the situation. A smile doesn’t erase the fact that things got physical, and people were involved in a tense situation. Just because things calmed down doesn't mean that everything was fine. In real life, things like grabbing someone’s clothes or getting involved in a tense situation can escalate quickly, and it is not always easy to just walk away with a smile.
In conclusion, while Dafeamekpor may want to explain that he wasn’t fighting, it is clear that the situation became physical and tense. Both sides should have made more of an effort to avoid any problems instead of getting caught up in the chaos. It’s important for all members of parliament to remember that their role is to lead by example, and actions like these show that sometimes emotions get in the way of peaceful discussions.