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Bedzrah is Bias against the Minority and must Recuse Himself from Vetting Chaos Committee - Afenyo- Markin
Accra, Ghana - 07 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) have withdrawn from a parliamentary inquiry into chaotic scenes that disrupted the ministerial vetting process, citing concerns over the committee chairman's impartiality.
Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah to step down as Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the January 30, 2025, disruptions to the ministerial vetting process.
In a memorandum to the Speaker of Parliament, Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns over Bedzrah's impartiality and confidentiality, citing potential compromises to the committee's integrity.
The MPs allege that Emmanuel Bedzrah, chairman of the Special Committee, is "prejudiced" and has already made up his mind on the matter.
The minority said it has written to the Speaker of Parliament, awaiting a ruling on their concerns.
“We have written to Mr Speaker, we know he is not available but we will respect the office and authority of the Speaker so we will await him to give a ruling on our letter,'' he stated.
“Meanwhile, if the chairman still wants to proceed, we will not be part of a one-sided committee. Our members have withdrawn from proceedings because the chairman is prejudiced. He is prejudging the issue and he is not a fair referee.''
“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 stated.
“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,” portions of the memorandum read.
The Ad-Hoc Committee was formed to investigate the chaotic scenes that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, which led to the suspension of four MPs.
The inquiry is expected to present its findings within 10 days, despite the opposition boycott.
Read the Minority's petition to the Speaker below.
Source: Lead News Online
