The Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has indicated that it will allow Parliament to conduct a full-scale investigation into the bribery scandal that has hit the Appointments Committee.
The Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal, who made the revelation, was however quick to add that the Commission will monitor the investigations closely to ensure that there is transparency.
“For now we take the position that we should allow Parliament which has got its own processes of investigation, to show to the people of Ghana that they are determined to root out corruption. Let us give them an opportunity through which we will always trigger our mandate.”“If you look at section 1b of the Commission’s Act we can undertake investigations without the need for an identifiable complainant. We understand the petition has been forwarded to the Speaker and we are following the steps he will take pursuant to that petition and we will also follow the proceedings to determine whether there is transparency and whether they are actually addressing the issue of corruption as the people of Ghana will want them to…We want to give preference to the 2nd arm of government for now.”
The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga [who levelled the bribery allegation against the then Energy Minister nominee, Boakye Agyarko], as well as Members of Parliament for North Tongu and Tamale North have petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Michael Oquaye to investigate the case.
Many have however questioned Parliament’s ability to conduct a fair and independent investigation into the saga.
But responding to these concerns on citi fm, Mr. Whittal said “I agree with those who think like that but we should still agree that the constitution has given the mandate to Parliament …and this is an opportunity for the leadership of the House to be seen to walk the talk of fighting corruption and so let us give them an opportunity.”
He stated that CHRAJ will only intervene in the investigation if it is not carried out fairly or they are called on by Parliament to do so.
“This is the time; we will see whether they mean business or not. Otherwise we will definitely come in. On the other hand if Parliament is interested in calling the Commission to intervene we will willingly do so. “
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