The five-member committee set up to probe the bribery scandal that hit the Appointments Committee of Parliament starts investigation today.
The committee chaired by Joe Ghartey, a former Attorney General is expected to thoroughly investigate the bribery charge leveled against the leadership of the Appointments Committee by Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga.
The Speaker Prof. Mike Oquaye ruled in favour of the setting up of the “special committee” after both sides of the House had mooted the idea.
Announcing the formation of the committee, Prof. Oquaye assured that nothing will be “swept” under the carpet although the Committee members are made up of legislators. He also warned MPs to refrain from commenting on the issue.
The Committee has four weeks to conclude with its investigations.
The setting up of the Committee is at the behest of the leadership of the House after the First Deputy Speaker Joe Osei Owusu had formally made a complaint to the Speaker on Tuesday.
Mr. Ayariga alleged that Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko tried enticing Minority members of the Committee with Gh¢3000 each through the chairman Joe Osei-Owusu so he could be approved.
According to him, details surrounding the sharing of the money reached him through his chief whip Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak.
Both Alhaji Mubarak and Osei-Owusu have denied the allegations although Mr. Ayariga insists there was exchange of hands.
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