Bribery allegation: ”This is how democracy improves, I look forward to appearing” – Oliver Barker reacts to summons by Appointments Committee
Social Activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has confirmed his readiness to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee following his allegations of bribery.
In a Facebook post, Barker-Vormawor expressed his belief in the democratic process, stating: “This is how a democracy improves. I look forward to appearing before the Appointments Committee tomorrow. Thank you.”
Barker-Vormawor’s comments come after he accused the members of the Appointments Committee of soliciting bribes from ministerial nominees in exchange for their approval.
He further challenged Bernard Ahiafor, the Committee’s chairman and first deputy speaker of Parliament, to submit himself to the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee for questioning over the matter.
In response to these allegations, Mr. Ahiafor has categorically rejected the claims, describing them “baseless and unfounded.”
Addressing the claims on January 28 ahead of the vetting of Defence Minister-designate Dr. Omane Boamah, Ahiafor emphasized that both he and other members of the committee operate with integrity and professionalism.
“I’m ever ready to submit myself to ORAL. We need to stop certain attitudes. So, therefore, I, Bernard Ahiafor, as the chairman of the committee, want to place it on record that I and the committee members don’t demand money from any nominees before vetting and approval,” Ahiafor stated.
Ahiafor further expressed concern about the damage the allegations could cause to the Appointments Committee’s reputation and reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability in the vetting process.
Ahiafor also directed the Clerk of the Committee to formally invite Barker-Vormawor to appear before the body and substantiate his claims.
He stated that should Barker-Vormawor fail to provide evidence, the necessary legal steps would be taken.
“I am directing the clerk to the committee to invite him to appear before the committee tomorrow [Wednesday] to substantiate his claims, or we will apply the necessary law,” Mr. Ahiafor emphasized.
The accusations have sparked calls within the Minority National Patriotic Party (NPP) on the Committee for the suspension of the vetting process until Barker-Vormawor appear before the Committee to present his evidence.