Parliamentary Appointments Committee Summons Barker-Vormawor Over Bribery Allegations
The Appointments Committee of Parliament has officially summoned activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor to substantiate allegations of bribery against its members.
The claims, which have sparked widespread public debate, surfaced ahead of the vetting session for Defence Minister-designate Dr. Omane Boamah on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
Committee Chair Rejects Allegations
Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee and 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and harmful to the credibility of Parliament’s vetting process.
In a statement during the session, Mr. Ahiafor emphasized the committee’s commitment to integrity, adding that such accusations threaten to undermine public trust in democratic institutions.
“I, Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Committee and 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, alongside the committee members, do not demand money or any form of inducement from nominees before vetting them. These allegations are entirely false,” he asserted.
Invitation to Provide Evidence
To address the claims, Mr. Ahiafor directed the Clerk of the Committee to formally invite Oliver Barker-Vormawor to appear before the committee on Wednesday, January 29, to present evidence supporting his allegations.
“Barker-Vormawor must substantiate his claims with evidence before this committee. We are committed to upholding transparency and accountability in the vetting process,” Mr. Ahiafor added.
Activist’s Allegations and Response
Oliver Barker-Vormawor, known for his vocal stance on governance issues, has alleged that some members of the committee demand monetary or other forms of gratification from nominees to influence their approval.
As of now, the activist has not publicly responded to the summons or provided details to back his claims.
Protecting Parliamentary Integrity
The Appointments Committee has reassured the public of its dedication to ensuring a fair and impartial vetting process, urging citizens to disregard baseless accusations.
The outcome of the summons and the evidence presented, if any, will be critical in resolving this matter and safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s parliamentary processes.
What Happens Next?
With the next session scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, all eyes are on Barker-Vormawor to substantiate his claims and provide evidence of wrongdoing. This development underscores the importance of transparency in governance and the need to address allegations that can tarnish public institutions.