By GhanaNewsPage 
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South and Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for a public apology and retraction from Emeafa Hardcastle, the Acting Chief Executive of the Petroleum Commission, following a heated exchange with Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh during a parliamentary break.
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What Sparked the Confrontation?
The incident took place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, during a break in the Parliamentary Appointments Committee proceedings. While the exact cause of the verbal altercation remains unclear, sources indicate that it stemmed from a remark by Emeafa Hardcastle, who allegedly referred to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus as a “Micro-Minority.”
This comment triggered tensions, leading to an argument between Hardcastle and Annoh-Dompreh in the presence of other parliamentarians and guests.
Exchange Between Hardcastle and Annoh-Dompreh
Eyewitnesses report the following conversation:
Annoh-Dompreh: “You called us Micro-Minority.”
Emeafa Hardcastle: “But you’re Micro-Minority. Doesn’t Afenyo himself use that phrase? Don’t bring yourself. Do you think you can bully me here?”
The exchange quickly gained attention, sparking debates on parliamentary decorum and the role of public officials in maintaining respectful engagements.
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Haruna Iddrisu Demands Apology
Reacting to the incident, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu took to the floor of Parliament shortly after the clash, strongly condemning Hardcastle’s remarks. He described them as damaging to Annoh-Dompreh’s reputation and called for a formal apology.
“The unjustified remarks made against the Minority Whip have harmed his reputation as an elected member of Parliament. Mr Speaker, we must stand united in condemning this conduct and demand an apology,” Iddrisu stated.
He also urged Annoh-Dompreh not to escalate the issue further but to allow it to be addressed at the Privileges Committee, emphasizing the importance of maintaining parliamentary discipline, as outlined in Article 122 of the 1992 Constitution.
Women’s Caucus Leader Intervenes
Meanwhile, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, Leader of the Women’s Caucus in Parliament and First Deputy Whip of the Majority Group, also stepped in, pleading for reconciliation. She requested that Annoh-Dompreh withdraw his motion to escalate the matter to the Privileges Committee, offering to personally mediate the situation.
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“As the leader of the Women’s Caucus, I plead with the Chief Whip to leave this matter to me. I will meet with the lady in question and offer guidance on how to handle such situations. This is a matter between a woman and a man,” Doyoe stated.
She further noted that Hardcastle had already apologized privately and urged the Minority Chief Whip to accept the apology and move forward.
What Happens Next?
As tensions remain high over the heated exchange, it remains to be seen whether Annoh-Dompreh will pursue the matter at the Privileges Committee or accept the calls for reconciliation.
With public scrutiny increasing over the behavior of high-ranking officials in government institutions, this incident has ignited broader conversations about political discourse, gender dynamics in leadership, and the professionalism expected of public figures in Ghana’s governance system.
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