The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has charged the leadership in Parliament to redeem itself a by allowing independent investigations of the bribery allegations made by some members of the Minority Caucus on the Appointments Committee.
A Minority member of the Committee, Mahama Ayariga alleged that the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko attempted to bribe the Minority members to secure approval of his nomination.
Mr. Ayariga said Mr. Agyarko tried bribing 10 Minority members on the Committee with GHc 3,000 each.The GII in a statement described the corruption allegations as an embarrassment to Parliament hence the need for probe to restore confidence in the Legislature.
“GII considers the current matter as unfortunate, embarrassing and a major dent in the image of Parliament and hence the urgent need for swift action by the Leadership of the August House to redeem the sinking image of the Legislature learning from the example of the infamous judicial corruption scandal and how the Chief Justice acted swiftly to investigate and sanction.”
“To this end, GII calls for an external, independent and transparent investigation into the allegations particularly in the light of Parliament’s initial position of dismissing the allegations.”
The GII feels these allegations would present Parliament with the opportunity to address similar corruption allegations; most recently by anti-corruption campaigner, Martin Amidu.
“GII is also of the view that though unfortunate, this is an opportunity for Parliament if possible to holistically address the general public’s perception of Parliamentary corruption and incessant allegations made by individuals including Hon. Martin Amidu, former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Hon. Alban Bagbin, an MP, Hon. P. C Appiah Ofori, former MP and Professor Stephen Adei, Former rector of GIMPA.”
The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has since approved the setting up of a five-member in-house committee, to investigate the corruption allegations.
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