Appointments Committee summons Barker-Vormawor over bribery allegations

The Appointments Committee of Parliament has summoned activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor to appear before it following allegations of bribery levelled against committee members.

The claims, which have stirred significant public interest, were made ahead of the vetting session for Defence Minister-designate Dr Omane Boamah, held on Tuesday, January 28.

Chairman of the Appointments Committee and 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, strongly rejected the accusations, calling them unfounded and damaging to the integrity of the parliamentary vetting process.

In response, Mr. Ahiafor instructed the Clerk of the Committee to formally invite Barker-Vormawor to appear before the committee and provide evidence to support his allegations during a session scheduled for Wednesday, January 29.

“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, known for his outspoken criticism of government institutions and public officials, has yet to respond to the summons.

The allegations suggest that members of the Appointments Committee demand monetary inducements or other forms of gratification from nominees before their vetting sessions.