The Chairman of the seven-member committee investigating the ministerial vetting scuffle, Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has outlined the committee’s modalities and rules of engagement, emphasizing transparency and urgency in their work.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin in a bid to establish the full facts surrounding the chaos that erupted during Thursday, 30 2025 ministerial vetting constituted a seven-member committee chaired by Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah.
Other members include Hon Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Hon Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui (Mrs), Hon Abena Osei Asare (Mrs), Hon Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (Dr), Hon Vincent Oppong Asamoah and Hon Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng.
Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament, Hon. Bedzrah reiterated the mandate given to the committee by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, to investigate the chaotic event that unfolded during the vetting of ministerial nominees on Thursday, January 30, and the morning of Friday, January 31, 2025.
“The Rt. Hon. Speaker constituted this committee with the task of conducting a full-scale investigation into the disorder that disrupted proceedings. Our mission is to identify all individuals involved in the incident and submit a report with findings and recommendations”.
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah
Given the strict 10-day deadline imposed by the Speaker, the committee has moved swiftly to define its approach, prioritizing an open and transparent process.
As part of its fact-finding mission, Hon. Bedzrah noted that the committee has scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Parliament House.
“We expect members of Parliament, media personnel, guests present at the vetting room, and the general public to voluntarily appear and assist with relevant information regarding the incident.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah
Hon. Bedzrah further pointed out that in a bid to collect multimedia evidence, the committee has set up a dedicated WhatsApp platform for citizens to submit videos, audio recordings, or text-based evidence.
The designated contact number for submissions is 0244-926-911, managed by the committee’s clerk. “We encourage any individual or media house that has relevant footage, audio, or text evidence to forward it to the committee through this platform,” he stressed.
Forensic Expert from Ghana Police Service to Validate Evidence
To ensure the authenticity and accuracy of submitted evidence, the committee will collaborate with a forensic expert from the Ghana Police Service to analyze, authenticate, and validate all multimedia materials received.
“In addition, we will begin reviewing parliamentary video evidence starting this afternoon,” Hon. Bedzrah disclosed. Furthermore, the committee has made provisions for in-camera hearings to accommodate individuals who wish to provide sensitive but crucial evidence while maintaining their privacy.
Addressing concerns that the committee’s work might be politically motivated or used to target specific MPs, Hon. Bedzrah firmly rejected such claims.
“The committee would like to place on record that our task is not to target or witch-hunt any individual. This is purely a fact-finding mission to establish accountability and uphold the integrity of Parliament.”
Hon. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah
He urged all stakeholders to support the process, describing it as an opportunity to restore Ghana’s democratic credibility and safeguard parliamentary decorum, saying “we hope that all citizens will stand with the Parliament of Ghana in this crucial moment to assist in rebuilding our enviable democratic attributes.”
In an earlier statement, Bernard Ahiafor, Chairman of Parliament’s Appointment Committee, has unqualifiedly apologized to the Speaker of Parliament, the leadership, and the general public following last Thursday night’s incident of vandalism during a ministerial vetting session.
His statement follows intense public criticism of the disorderly conduct of some members of parliament (MPs), which disrupted proceedings and raised concerns about parliamentary professionalism.
Ahiafor, acknowledging the gravity of the incident, expressed deep regret, emphasizing the need to uphold the dignity and integrity of Ghana’s parliamentary process.
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