The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee probing the vetting chaos, Emmanuel Bedzrah, of exhibiting bias.
The Effutu MP is therefore demanding that the Ho West MP recuse himself from the ongoing probe, alleging that Mr. Bedzrah made public statements that undermined the committee’s neutrality.
In a memorandum addressed to Speaker Alban Bagbin, Mr. Afenyo-Markin alleged a breach of impartiality and confidentiality, which he claims have compromised the integrity of the committee’s work.
Notably, Mr. Bedzrah reportedly accused the Minority Leader of instructing his colleagues not to participate in the probe and claimed that an NPP MP withdrew from the proceedings on Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s directive.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that these comments violated the Speaker’s directive to avoid public debate on the committee’s work.
“Hon. Bedzrah’s public pronouncements have created a perception of bias, particularly against the Minority, and have compromised the credibility of the committee’s work,” the memorandum read in part.
He explained that such actions were inconsistent with the principles of fair and impartial inquiry, which are essential for maintaining public trust in the investigative process.
The Minority Leader also expressed concern about Bedzrah’s suggestion that Minority MPs were “afraid or unwilling” to assist the committee.
He further described these remarks as prejudicial and argued that they cast aspersions on the Minority Caucus, further eroding confidence in the committee’s objectivity.
“This request is not a challenge to your authority, Rt. Hon. Speaker, but a necessary corrective measure to restore faith in the process and ensure that justice is done fairly,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin wrote.
The Speaker has yet to respond to the memorandum.
The Ad-Hoc Committee was established to probe the chaos that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, an incident that led to the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs). While the suspensions were later lifted following a leadership meeting on February 4, 2025, tensions have persisted over the conduct of the committee’s proceedings.
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