Lawyer and political activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has been summoned to appear before the Appointments Committee of Parliament today to substantiate allegations that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on committee have been demanding money from ministerial nominees in exchange for their approval.
Chairman of the parliamentary committee, Bernard Ahiafor, yesterday dismissed the allegations, stating categorically that neither he nor any members of the committee had engaged in such practices.
Mr. Ahiafor who is also the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, strongly rejected the accusations, calling them unfounded and damaging to the integrity of the parliamentary vetting process.
Consequently, the Chairman of the Appointments Committee directed the Clerk of the Committee to formally invite Barker-Vormawor to appear before them and provide evidence to support his allegations on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
“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.
“I will therefore demand the clerk of the committee to invite Oliver Barker Vormawor to appear before the committee to provide evidence of the allegations.”
Barker-Vormawor accepts summon
Meanwhile, Mr. Barker-Vormawor, known for his outspoken criticism of government institutions and public officials, has agreed to appear before the committee to substantiate his allegations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Barker-Vormawor stated, “This is how a Democracy improves.
I look forward to appearing before the Appointments Committee tomorrow,” confirming his willingness to appear before the committee.
Call for suspension of vetting
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority caucus led by Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin had insisted that the vetting of the first ministerial nominee, Defence Minister-designate, Dr. Omane Boamah be suspended until Barker-Vormawor appeared before the committee.
Minority Chief Whip Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh insisted the vetting be halted and the accuser hauled before the Committee to answer for his allegations.
“So in principle, we in the Minority are for the vetting, and the evidence abounds. In fact, the formation of the three critical committees, i.e., the Appointment Committee, the Selection Committee, and the Business Committee, is being teased out from the lot.
“These wild allegations are too many in our country; one is lowering our reputation as an arm of government and an institution of state. All we have as members of Parliament is our reputation; that is all we have,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh stated.
Despite acknowledging the Chairman’s appeal to continue with the vetting process while the accuser appears before them, he insisted vetting must be suspended.
“Well, I think it makes sense, but we disagree. We strongly disagree with you. Today, we cannot vet,” he noted. He called on the Chairman to re-consider his decision to allow vetting to continue.
“So, Mr Chair, consider your directives again. your directives make sense, but we in the Minority cannot comply today we cannot vet,” he argued.
