The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has referred Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee.
This follows a formal complaint by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who cited the lawmaker for contempt.
The referral comes after the Minority Leader allegedly described the ongoing security recruitment exercise as a scam, claiming that it imposes heavy financial burdens on applicants through a third-party IT firm.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, the Interior Minister said the Minority leader allegedly maligned the ongoing security recruitment exercise by describing it as a scam.
He also noted that Mr Afenyo-Markin claimed the recruitment was imposing a heavy financial burden on applicants through the use of a third-party IT firm.
“On Friday, during the State of the Nation Address, the Minority Leader got up and said categorically that the current internal security recruitment is scandalous. He claimed corruption is looming and people will go to prison.
“Based on our standing orders 31 E and F, that is contemptuous. The appropriate place to substantiate such claims is before the Privileges Committee, where he will have ample time to present his allegations and we can meet him with the facts.”
In response, Mr Afenyo-Markin welcomed the referral but called for a public hearing as part of the investigation.
He said he was ready to appear before the committee to clarify his statements.
“Honourable Minister of Interior, let the referral be made, and let there be a public hearing. I will avail myself should you exercise that discretion, and the matter can then be brought to a peaceful resolution,” he stated.
Commenting on the issue, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, criticised the Minority Leader for attempting to create “non-existing scandals” to tarnish the government’s image.
He warned that MPs would push for severe sanctions against Mr Afenyo-Markin should he fail to substantiate his claims.
“I want to hear the evidence in public. The attempt to scandalize this government will not succeed. If indeed a minister or senior NDC official has an interest in the company providing this service, we want to know so that action can be taken. Otherwise, we will insist on the most severe punishment on you,” he said.
On the back of this, the First Deputy Speaker stated that the referral does not imply guilt, noting that Mr Afenyo-Markin remains innocent until the investigation concludes.
“The fact that this matter has been referred to the Privileges Committee does not mean that the person is guilty. All suspects are presumed innocent. It is the responsibility of the committee to make a recommendation to the House,” he said.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
