The Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee tasked with probing the January 30 vetting chaos, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has refuted claims by the Minority that he is unfair.
This comes after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused him of breach of committee impartiality and confidentiality, a violation of the Speaker’s directive, and prejudicial comment on proceedings, which have compromised the integrity of the committee’s work.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin further requested the chairman’s recusal.
However, speaking to the media after Friday’s sitting, Mr. Bedzrah insisted he has been objective in carrying out his duty as chairman of the committee.
“We are waiting for them to come and testify. I have not seen any accusation against me for being biased. I am not biased; you have all seen the work we have been doing.
“We were even surprised that they didn’t show up. We are waiting for them on Monday, and if they fail to appear, we will invoke constitutional provisions as well as the standing orders,” he stated.
The special committee was set up by the Speaker to probe the chaos that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, which led to the suspension of four MPs.
On Wednesday, February 5, the committee indefinitely suspended its proceedings.
Initially, Mr. Bedzrah announced that the suspension was based on directives from the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, who had indicated that the Speaker would provide further guidance.
However, Mr Bedzrah later clarified that the Minority played a key role in halting the proceedings.
Mr Bedzrah categorically stated that the Minority orchestrated the decision to halt proceedings.