Bribery scandal: NDC steps in

The leadership of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken steps to ensure no factions emerge within the fold of the Minority legislators in the wake of the bribery scandal that has rocked parliament, Builsa South MP Dr Clement Apaak has revealed.

Bawku Central Member of Parliament (MP) Mahama Ayariga had alleged that then-Energy Minister-designate Boakye Agyarko had offered cash through Appointments Committee chairman Joe Osei-Owusu, to be shared among Minority MPs on the committee.

Mr Ayariga had alleged that GHS3000 was paid to each of the NDC MPs by Minority Chief Whip Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, an amount they thought was sitting allowance for MPs on the committee, but returned the monies when they heard a rumour that the amount had actually come from Mr Agyarko to influence them to endorse his nomination as minister.

Mr Osei-Owusu and Mr Muntaka have both denied the allegation.

Subsequently, Mr Ayariga, together with two other members of the committee: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Alhassan Suhuyini, has sent a petition to the Speaker of Parliament to investigate the matter.

Dr Apaak told Moro Awudu on Class91.3FM’s Executive Breakfast Show on Tuesday, 31 January that the development has not caused division within the Minority.

He explained that the issue was “worrying” and creating confusion especially for new MPs and others who are not part of the Appointments Committee. He was glad the NDC as a party was taking measures to address the issue because the party’s MPs were involved.

“It is not an issue that we are all aware of or participants of, therefore, it cannot disunite us, but the party’s indication of stepping in and my sources tell me that it is already happening in the background and it is very much welcome,” he said.