Parliament has referred Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to its Committee on Privileges and Immunities following a formal complaint by the Interior Minister over claims the ongoing security services recruitment is unlawful.
The referral, made by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor during Tuesday’s sitting, stems from allegations by Mr Afenyo-Markin that the current recruitment exercise into the security agencies is illegal and that the introduction of an online application system through a third-party IT firm imposes undue financial burdens on applicants.
The Interior Minister, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, invoked Standing Orders 67 (1u) and 31 to challenge the Minority Leader to substantiate his claims, which he had publicly described as a “scam.”
In his ruling, Mr Ahiafor emphasised that the referral should not be interpreted as a determination of guilt.
“The fact that this matter has been referred to privileges does not mean that the person is guilty. That is why I said all suspects are supposed to be deemed innocent,” the Deputy Speaker stated.
“I am not pronouncing on the guilt of the Minority Leader or otherwise. I am not. And it is not the responsibility at this stage to do so. It is the responsibility of the committee to make that recommendation to the House.”
Rather than resist the referral, Mr Afenyo-Markin welcomed the opportunity to defend his position and specifically called for proceedings to be conducted in public.
“Honourable Minister of Interior, I am not too sure you want us to pursue this matter. I repeat, because you and I know what we know,” the Minority Leader said.
“Let the referral be made, let there be a public hearing. Let Afenyo-Markin, who these days is seen as perhaps, according to the allegation, saying something untruthful, and because of that, it is a breach of parliamentary privilege.”
He added: “I will avail myself, should you exercise that discretion, to a public hearing, and then the matter can be brought to a peaceful rest.”
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga dismissed the allegations as an attempt to manufacture controversy and damage the government’s image. He warned that should the Minority Leader fail to substantiate his claims, the Majority would push for severe sanctions.
The Privileges Committee is now expected to investigate the matter and report its findings to the House.
