Human rights activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been summoned to appear before Parliament on Wednesday following his recent claims that members of the Appointments Committee demand bribes from ministerial nominees before vetting and approval.
The directive for the summons was issued by the Clerk of Parliament, following concerns raised by Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee. Mr. Ahiafor strongly denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded and damaging to the integrity of the committee.
Addressing the claims, Mr. Ahiafor said, “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 further refuted the suggestion that the entire committee engages in such practices. “The second aspect was to the effect that all the committee members are taking money from the nominees before vetting and approval,” he stated. “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 controversy has created a rift within the committee, with the Minority pushing for a temporary suspension of vetting activities until the issue is resolved. On the other hand, the Majority side is advocating for proceedings to continue without disruption.
The scheduled appearance of Barker-Vormawor is expected to clarify the allegations and provide an opportunity for him to present evidence to substantiate his claims. As Parliament seeks to uphold its credibility, the outcome of the inquiry will be closely watched by the public.
The Appointments Committee leadership has urged all stakeholders to exercise patience and avoid making baseless accusations that could erode trust in the legislative process.
