Bribery scandal: 'The truth is on our side' – Ablakwa

One of the accusers in the case of the alleged bribery scandal against Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says they are ready for Wednesday’s sitting.

The five-member investigative ad-hoc committee formed by Parliament to investigate the bribery scandal is set to commence public hearing from Wednesday, February 15, 2017.

The committee was set up on January 31 by the Speaker, Professor Mike Oquaye to investigate the alleged attempted bribery by the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, after it was revealed by the Member Parliament for the Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga that he tried to induce the Minority on the Appointments Committee with GHc 3,000 each to approve his nomination.

Even though many, including Civil Society Organizations, have questioned the decision by Parliament to investigate itself, the Joe Ghartey committee is set to hear the case on Wednesday.

Speaking on the Gold Power Drive on Radio Gold Tuesday, the North Tongu legislator said he still stands by the bribery allegations.

“We are so ready. When the truth is on your side you don’t need any preparation. We have been waiting for this day to come and we are not changing our position. Hon. Agyarko attempted bribing us. I was given an envelope which contained money and our leader asked us to return the money which we did. That is the truth. Nothing but the truth,” he said.

The committee is to investigate whether or not the Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu, had taken money from Mr Boakye Agyarko and given it to the Minority Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka-Mubarak for further disbursement to Minority Members on the committee as bribe.

The MPs expected to appear before the committee includes MP for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu and Tamale North MP Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini.