In a significant development within Parliament, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor has directed that Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin be referred to the Privileges Committee. This referral is the result of a formal complaint lodged by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak alleging contempt of Parliament.
The controversy centers around comments made by Afenyo-Markin, who characterized the ongoing security recruitment exercise as a “scam,” claiming it burdens applicants with high costs due to the involvement of a third-party IT firm. During a recent session in Parliament, Minister Muntaka articulated concerns that such accusations undermine the integrity of the recruitment process.
Muntaka stated, “On Friday, during the State of the Nation Address, the Minority Leader asserted that the current internal security recruitment is scandalous and warned of looming corruption.” He referenced parliamentary standing orders that necessitate such allegations to be examined by the Privileges Committee to substantiate claims with facts.
Responding to the referral, Afenyo-Markin expressed his willingness to cooperate with the process, calling for a public hearing to allow for transparency during the investigation. “Let the referral be made and let there be a public hearing. I will make myself available should you choose to exercise that discretion,” he remarked.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga weighed in on the matter, criticizing Afenyo-Markin for creating what he termed “non-existing scandals” intended to damage the government’s reputation. He cautioned that should Afenyo-Markin fail to provide evidence for his claims, there would be calls for significant sanctions against him. “The attempt to scandalize this government will not succeed,” he emphasized, insisting on the necessity of public accountability regarding the claims made by Afenyo-Markin.
In light of the ongoing situation, First Deputy Speaker Ahiafor affirmed that the referral does not imply guilt on Afenyo-Markin’s part, underscoring that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. “This matter’s referral to the Privileges Committee does not mean that the person is guilty. It is the committee’s duty to review the situation and make appropriate recommendations,” he clarified.
