Sammy Obeng, Executive Director of Parliamentary Network Africa, has responded to Oliver Barker-Vormawor’s corruption allegations against the Appointments Committee, calling the committee’s decision to address the issue early a proactive step.
He noted the Appointments Committee, like many parliamentary committees, has faced public scrutiny over integrity issues, including allegations of bribery.
Obeng further explained that summoning Barker-Vormawor as a witness was necessary due to Parliament’s limitations, particularly the lack of a Privileges and Immunities Committee.
Accordingly, he emphasized that Barker-Vormawor was not charged with contempt but invited to assist the committee, as it holds the authority to call witnesses.
“As a witness, he [Vormawor] came, he sought to provide details around what it is that he altered and what it is that he did not alter, and eventually apologized. And I think that’s the background to this.
“But ultimately, what this shows is that we have a Parliament that is pretty worried about its reputation. And once it is worried about its reputation and integrity, it must be seen to be doing things right and doing the right things towards remedying the injured reputation”.
Sammy Obeng
Obeng also noted that Parliament’s efforts to remedy its reputation should involve a deliberate, institutional approach to address the reasons behind public perceptions.
He indicated that this includes examining past incidents, understanding the factors contributing to these perceptions, and investigating whether people outside Parliament, rather than the MPs themselves, are offering questionable proposals.
He stated that by addressing these issues, Parliament could develop thorough arrangements, codes of conduct, and internal policies to guide MPs in handling such matters.
Obeng stated that such an initiative would be a positive legacy for Speaker Alban Bagbin, who, as a former member, has previously accused the House of bribery.
When discussing Parliament’s efforts to consciously change its image, he questioned what that would look like and whether the Appointments Committee’s actions aligned with this goal.
He acknowledged that, to some extent, this is indeed what the committee aimed to do. “As to whether that’s the right way to go leaves much to be desired”.
Parliament Urged to Proactively Address Public Perception
Furthermore, Sammy Obeng stated that the Appointments Committee must recognize the importance of addressing public perception and image.
He explained that while the committee could choose the approach of appearing authoritative—using their power to call individuals out and holding public hearings to instill fear—that approach does not resolve the issue comprehensively.
To truly tackle the problem, Obeng emphasized that Parliament must acknowledge the existence of the problem and take proactive steps as an institution to address it.
He stressed that waiting for the next vetting process to prompt allegations would only lead to a reactive, firefighting approach rather than a lasting solution.
“But even in the absence of any vetting, even in the absence of any allegation, even in the absence of any supposed scandal, we as an institution of Parliament [must be] willing to start a process towards understanding why this is so and towards remedying it. And I think that’s what Parliament should be focusing on more.
“Did [Barker-Vormawor’s] apology just conclude the matter? For me, the apology and the happenings of yesterday portray a difference between facts, right? …hiding behind social media to put out information that’s maybe factual, non-factual, half-truth, or inaccurate”.
Sammy Obeng
Accordingly, Obeng further emphasized the crucial role of both traditional and new media in ensuring that issues are presented responsibly.
He expressed concern over media outlets sensationalizing stories for clicks and attention, rather than focusing on the substance of the matter.
Obeng stressed the need for responsible journalism, ethical engagement in social media, and, importantly, accountable leadership from duty-bearers.
He also pointed out that leaders should earn respect and build a solid reputation through their actions, rather than attempting to force it upon the public, as Speaker Babin had highlighted.
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