The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has referred Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee following a formal complaint from Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, who accused him of contempt of Parliament.
The referral comes after the Minority Leader allegedly described the ongoing internal security recruitment exercise as a “scam” and claimed that applicants are being burdened financially through the involvement of a third-party IT firm.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Minister Muntaka said: “During the State of the Nation Address, the Minority Leader accused the recruitment process of being scandalous, claiming corruption is looming and that people will go to prison. Under Standing Orders 31 E and F, such statements are contemptuous. The appropriate place to substantiate these allegations is before the Privileges Committee, where he will have the opportunity to present his claims and we can respond with facts.”
Responding to the referral, Afenyo-Markin welcomed the decision and requested that a public hearing be conducted as part of the investigation, affirming his readiness to appear before the committee.
“I will avail myself for a public hearing to ensure the matter is addressed transparently and brought to a peaceful resolution,” he said.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga criticised the opposition for attempting to manufacture scandals to tarnish the government’s image.
He warned that failure to substantiate allegations could result in severe parliamentary sanctions.
“We want the evidence presented publicly. Attempts to create false scandals against this government will not succeed. If any minister or senior NDC official is involved in the company providing these services, it should be proven so appropriate action can be taken. Otherwise, the most severe sanctions will apply,” Ayariga stated.
First Deputy Speaker Ahiafor emphasised that referral to the Privileges Committee does not imply guilt.
“The referral does not mean the Minority Leader is guilty. All individuals are presumed innocent until the committee completes its investigation and makes recommendations to the House,” he said.
The Privileges Committee will now examine the allegations and determine the appropriate course of action.
