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We don’t demand money from nominees before vetting – Chairman of Appointments Committee
The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, has strongly denied allegations that members of the Committee demand bribes from ministerial nominees during their vetting process.
The accusations were made by activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who alleged that the committee solicits bribes from nominees in exchange for their approval.
Barker-Vormawor further challenged Mr. Ahiafor to submit himself to the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee for questioning over the matter.
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Responding to the allegations on January 28, ahead of the vetting of Defence Minister-designate Dr. Omane Boamah, Ahiafor rejected the claims outright, calling them baseless and unfounded.
He emphasised the integrity of the Appointments Committee and the professionalism with which its members conduct their duties.
“I’m ever ready to submit myself to ORAL. We need to stop certain attitudes. So, therefore, I, Bernard Ahiafor, as the chairman of the committee, want to place it on record that I and the committee members don’t demand money from any nominees before vetting and approval,” Ahiafor stated.
He added that the allegations were damaging to the reputation of the committee, and it was crucial to clear the air.
Ahiafor expressed his commitment to transparency and integrity in the vetting process, underscoring that the Committee’s work is guided by the Constitution and established parliamentary procedures.
In response to the accusations, Ahiafor instructed the clerk of the committee to formally invite Oliver Barker-Vormawor to appear before the committee and provide the evidence to substantiate his claims. Ahiafor noted that if Vormawor failed to back up his allegations, the necessary legal actions would be taken.
“I am directing the clerk to the committee to invite him to appear before the committee tomorrow [Wednesday] to substantiate his claims, or we will apply the necessary law,” Mr. Ahiafor emphasised.
Some members of the minority National Patriotic Party (NPP) within the Appointments Committee have called for the suspension of the vetting process until the accuser, Mr. Vormawor, appears before the Committee to clarify the allegations and present his evidence.
The controversy surrounding the allegations highlights the growing scrutiny of parliamentary processes, especially concerning appointments to key ministerial positions. With the country’s political landscape facing increasing pressure to address concerns of corruption and governance practices, the issue of transparency and accountability in the vetting process remains a key topic of public discussion.
Mr. Ahiafor’s firm stance aims to reassure the public that the Appointments Committee operates without undue influence or unethical practices. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the outcome of the committee’s meeting with Mr. Barker-Vormawor and whether any further steps will be taken in the wake of these serious allegations.
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