Former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has stated that many people misunderstood him when he mentioned that the Chief of Staff financially supports parliamentarians during committee work.
Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews with Blessed Sogah on Wednesday, the former Bekwai MP admitted that members of the Appointments Committee receive funds from the Chief of Staff after vetting nominees.
However, his statement attracted criticism, with some arguing that this practice constitutes bribery and corruption.
Mr Osei-Owusu defended his remarks on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, asserting that the practice is neither bribery nor corruption. He explained that in public service, there is nothing wrong with receiving facilitation payments.
“If any of those speaking out have ever worked in public service and understand budget releases, I’m sure they would view the situation differently,” he said.
He went on to explain, “In 2009, when I joined Parliament, there were often no releases, and you would sit through meetings and perform your duties without receiving allowances. Sometimes, leadership would inform the executive that work had been completed but allowances had not been paid.
“It became difficult to mobilise members, and the Chief of Staff would step in to release the funds, which were due to be paid by Parliament but had not been. The money would then go to the Clerk of Parliament, who would distribute it to the committee.”
Mr Osei-Owusu revealed that the largest sum he ever received was GH¢2,000, and he argued, “To suggest that this is bribery shows a lack of understanding of how public service works.”
He further explained that, on occasions when funding was delayed, they would hold the Minister for Finance accountable until the necessary funds were released to ensure they could carry out their work. “In such a situation, I don’t know how anyone could call that bribery,” he added.