Sam George, Osei Asare again clash during PAC hearing

Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George and Atiwa East MP Abena Osei-Asare exchanged sharp words during a Public Accounts Committee sitting on Monday.

Mr George appeared before the Committee in his capacity as sector minister to brief members on projects being undertaken under the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations.

Tensions rose during his submission when the minister defended the role of private companies in the telecommunications sector and criticised policy approaches under the previous administration.

“Private companies are about making profits and those profits they paid to you over eight years at the Finance Ministry as corporate tax,” Mr George stated, referencing the period Mrs Osei-Asare served as Deputy Finance Minister.

He continued that “policy decisions and policy leadership also made sure that we took steps to protect the customer,” adding that “under this reset agenda and under a responsible government,” steps were being taken to improve conditions in the sector.

Before he could complete his remarks, Mrs Osei-Asare, who is the Ranking Member of the Committee, interjected, saying, “Minister…”

Mr George immediately objected to the interruption.

“No, Honourable, I’m also a Member of Parliament. Don’t do this. I’m on the floor let me make my point,” he responded.

The exchange quickly intensified as the minister sought to continue his submission without interruption.

“Don’t heckle me,” Mr George added during the heated back-and-forth.

Mrs Osei-Asare rejected the accusation and insisted the minister was out of order.

“I’m not heckling you but Minister, listen, listen, you don’t have the floor,” she replied.

Mr George subsequently appealed to the Chairman of the Committee to intervene and restrain the Ranking Member as members looked on.

The verbal exchanges between the two lawmakers continued for several moments before calm was restored for proceedings to continue.

Despite the tense encounter, Mr George later struck a conciliatory tone while speaking to reporters after the hearing.

He described Mrs Osei-Asare as a friend and commended her for the work she does on the Public Accounts Committee.

The minister also referenced his own experience serving on the Committee while the National Democratic Congress was in the Minority, saying he appreciated the demands and importance of the oversight role played by members of the Committee.