"I look forward to appearing before appointments committee tomorrow" - Oliver Barker-Vormawor

Prominent activist, Oliver Barker-Vormawor has affirmed his readiness to appear before Parliament’s Appointments Committee to substantiate allegations of bribery involving committee members.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Barker-Vormawor announced his scheduled appearance on Wednesday, January 29, and expressed optimism about the opportunity to engage with the committee.

“I look forward to appearing before the committee tomorrow,” he wrote. “This is how a democracy improves.”

The activist’s claims, which allege that some members of the committee solicited bribes from ministerial nominees in exchange for approval, have sparked widespread debate and drawn sharp denials from the committee’s leadership.

Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, dismissed the accusations as unfounded during a press briefing on Tuesday, January 28.

According to Mr. Ahiafor, neither he nor any committee member has engaged in such practices, describing the allegations as an attack on the integrity of the committee’s work.

“To address these allegations, I have directed the Clerk to the Committee to formally invite Mr. Barker-Vormawor to appear before the committee tomorrow to provide evidence. Should he fail to do so, we will apply the necessary legal measures,” Mr. Ahiafor stated.

Division Among Lawmakers

The allegations have caused a rift among lawmakers, with some members of Parliament's Minority Caucus advocating for the suspension of the vetting process until the matter is resolved.

They argue that the accusations undermine public trust in the committee’s integrity and cast doubt on its proceedings.

Others, however, have opposed any delay in the vetting process.

South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor cautioned that halting the process could disrupt government business and set a dangerous precedent for future parliamentary work.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor’s claims, coupled with his high-profile advocacy for democratic accountability, have intensified public interest in the matter.

His appearance before the committee is expected to either lend credence to his allegations or clear the names of committee members.

The meeting comes amidst growing calls for transparency and accountability in Ghana’s political landscape.

The outcome of the activist’s appearance is likely to have significant implications for the reputation of the Appointments Committee and broader parliamentary processes.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith