The Appointments Committee of Parliament has summoned activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor to appear before it following allegations of bribery leveled against its members.
The accusations, which have drawn widespread public attention, surfaced ahead of the vetting session for Defence Minister-designate Dr. Omane Boamah on Tuesday, January 28.
Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Appointments Committee and 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, vehemently denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and harmful to the integrity of the parliamentary vetting process.
In response to the claims, Mr. Ahiafor directed the Clerk of the Committee to formally summon Barker-Vormawor to present evidence supporting his allegations at a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 29.
“I, Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of the Committee and 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and the committee members do not demand money from nominees before vetting them,” he stated. “I will therefore instruct the Clerk of the Committee to invite Oliver Barker-Vormawor to appear before the committee and provide evidence of these allegations.”
Barker-Vormawor, widely known for his vocal criticism of government institutions and officials, has yet to respond to the summons.
The allegations imply that members of the Appointments Committee demand monetary inducements or other forms of gratification from nominees prior to their vetting sessions.