Vetting Chaos: Minority Leader requests recusal of Bedzrah as Committee chair
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has requested the recusal of Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah as the Chairman of the committee investigating the vetting chaos that occurred on January 30, 2025.
Addressing the Speaker of Parliament in a memorandum dated February 7, Mr Afenyo-Markin cited a breach of committee impartiality and confidentiality, a violation of the Speaker’s directive, and prejudicial proceedings on Mr, Bedzrah’s part.
According to him, these have compromised the integrity of 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,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued.
He is, therefore, demanding the immediate recusal of Mr. Bedzrah and the reconstitution of the committee to ensure neutrality and discretion.
The Minority Leader further called for an audience with the Speaker to discuss the issue and explore ways to prevent the committee’s work from escalating tensions in the House.
“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,” part of the memorandum read.
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.
“Let me say that the Speaker was not in the known at all. Honestly, this whole stoppage came from the Minority side. I can tell you on authority,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, the committee resumed sitting today, February 7, 2025.
Below is the Majority Leader’s full request