By Deborah Pofara Luu
Chairman of the committee investigating the recent vetting chaos in Parliament, Emmanuel Bedzrah, has clarified that the Minority, not Speaker Alban Bagbin, was behind the decision to suspend the public hearing.
The committee had suspended its proceedings indefinitely on Wednesday, February 5.
Bedzrah initially attributed the suspension to directives from the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, who suggested the Speaker would provide further guidance. However, in a recent interview on Channel One Newsroom, Bedzrah stated that the Minority played a significant role in halting the proceedings.
According to Bedzrah, after the committee sitting, he met with the Clerk and the two leaders, including the Deputy Speakers, and was informed of an instruction purportedly from the Speaker.
Bedzrah recounted, “So when I got there, I was told the Speaker had given instruction, so I called the Speaker because the Speaker has traveled, and they all said that they were not able to get in touch with the Speaker on phone.”
Bedzrah further revealed that he was told the Speaker had directed that since apologies had been made, the committee should halt its work. Bedzrah said he contested this, stating, “And I said no, this is not the instruction I received from the Speaker,” Bedzrah added, “Everybody heard the Speaker yesterday that the Clerk should continue with its work, so I called the Speaker, and he said he has not given any instruction that we should stop.”
Amidst the confusion, the committee decided to await the Speaker’s return for specific instructions, given that a suspension had already been announced. Bedzrah emphasised the Minority’s role, asserting, “Honestly, this whole stoppage came from the Minority side. I can tell you on authority.”
The suspension follows disruptions during a vetting process on January 30, 2025, where the Minority resisted the vetting of Okudzeto Ablakwa and Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, resulting in disruption and damage to equipment.
Speaker Alban Bagbin established the committee to investigate the disruption.
The committee, which includes Emmanuel Bedzrah as chair, along with members Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Gizella Akushika Tetteh-Agbotui, Abena Osei Asare, Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, and Bede Anwataazuma Ziedeng, was given a 10-day deadline to report its findings.
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