Mayhem as Ghana’s Members of Parliament nearly fight over bribery allegation report

alice

March 31, 2017 2:17 PM

Members of Parliament in Ghana's legislative house had unusual confrontations after a report on a bribery allegation was read.

Mayhem as Ghana’s Members of Parliament nearly fight over bribery allegation report

Ghana’s legislative house saw unprecedented scenes as members almost came to fisticuffs during the debate over a bribery allegation.

The melee ensued during the presentation of a report by a committee of the house set up to investigate allegations of bribery brought before it by the Member of Parliament for Bawku, Mahama Ayariga against a ministerial nominee, Boakye Agyarko during his vetting as minister of energy.

The Committee found Mr. Ayariga could not prove his allegations and recommended he be purged of contempt while also apologizing to the entire house.

Addressing the House on the conclusions from the committee’s reports, Joe Ghartey, its chairman, said Mahama Ayariga “failed to ascertain the veracity of the rumour prior to publishing same. The Committee further observed that as a result of the publication, trust and confidence among members and inter-party cohesion needed for consensus building at the Appointments Committee has broken down considerably.”

The Speaker of Ghana’s parliament, Mike Ocquaye gave Mr. Mahama Ayariga the opportunity to apologize to the House and it was his half-hearted apology that catalyzed into a free for all on the plenary.

“Mr. Speaker if you say I should apologize, I apologize.”

Speaker of Parliament, Mike Ocquaye had to postpone the final ruling to Friday, 31 April 2017, as nerves could not be calmed in the House.

alice

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!