A recent revelation by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has brought to light an attempt by a businessperson to mobilize funds to support a ministerial nominee’s approval.
According to Ayariga, this attempt occurred even though there is no requirement for such payments.
Ayariga recounted the incident on Joy News’ PM Express, stating that he met an individual who operates in a particular sector who expressed a desire to “help” their minister, whose nomination was being considered.
The businessperson reportedly stated that the move was not at the request of the minister.
Ayariga stated that he shut down the idea immediately, warning that such mobilization of funds was unnecessary and would not be accepted.
He emphasized that the Appointments Committee does not demand money from nominees.
Ayariga’s revelation was a response to allegations made by lawyer and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, who claimed that ministerial nominees were being asked to pay bribes in exchange for parliamentary approval.
Ayariga has dismissed these claims and has called for Barker-Vormawor to provide proof. He further emphasized that the Appointments Committee operates with integrity and that no nominee needs to pay money to secure approval.
Ayariga stated that the NDC has a majority in Parliament and has no incentive for such payments, clarifying that nominees are almost certain to be approved unless there is a serious issue. He has encouraged anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing to present it.
Meanwhile, former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC, Ade Coker, has also dismissed the bribery allegations against the Appointments Committee as baseless and frivolous.
Speaking to the media in Parliament, Coker expressed his frustration that the vetting process had been briefly suspended to address the allegations.
Ade Coker stated that the Clerk of Parliament had officially invited Barker-Vormawor to provide evidence of his claims, insisting that the vetting process must continue. Barker-Vormawor has responded on Facebook that he looks forward to appearing before the Appointments Committee.
