Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has indicated his willingness to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee following a summons over his claims that members of the committee demand bribes from ministerial nominees before vetting and approval.
Sharing his thoughts ahead of the scheduled probe, Barker-Vormawor wrote on X, “This is how a Democracy improves. I look forward to appearing before the Appointments Committee tomorrow. Thank You.”
The summons was issued by the Clerk of Parliament after Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, called for action in response to the allegations. Mr. Ahiafor strongly refuted the claims, describing them as an attack on the credibility of the committee.
“Our attention is drawn to the media statement by Oliver Barker-Vormawor to the effect that the Majority Members of the Committee have been demanding money before approving the nominees and the Chairman must submit himself to ORAL. Let me place on record that I am ever ready to submit myself to ORAL,” he stated emphatically.
Addressing further concerns, Mr. Ahiafor denied any wrongdoing by the entire committee, saying, “The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval. We need to stop this attitude. So, therefore, I, Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament and Chairman of the Vetting Committee, want to place it on record that myself and the committee members do not demand money from any nominee before vetting and for approval.”
The allegations have caused a stir within the committee, with the Minority pushing for a suspension of vetting activities until the matter is resolved. The Majority, however, has insisted that the vetting process should continue as scheduled.
Barker-Vormawor’s appearance is expected to clarify his allegations and allow him the opportunity to present evidence to back his claims. The outcome of this probe is likely to draw significant public attention as Parliament seeks to uphold its credibility and safeguard its processes.
In the meantime, the leadership of the Appointments Committee has urged the public to avoid speculative accusations, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of Ghana’s legislative system.
