NDC MP Boycotts Vetting

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Wenchi West, Hon. Johnson Nketiah Asiedu, who is also a member of the Appointments Committee (AC) of Parliament, yesterday boycotted vetting in Parliament as a protest against what he described as intimidating the action of the Chairman of the AC, Hon Freddie Blay.

"I feel very peeved about the situation because I am doing my work as a conscientious citizen of this country and I do not think that anybody should intimidate me" The boycott which took the form of "sit-down- and-watch " kind of action lasted throughout the course of vetting. Justifying his action, Hon. Asiedu said that as an MP, he has every right to enquire into the background of any nominee who appears before the AC, adding that the action of the chairman of the AC is not only unfair but intimidating. What occasioned this boycott, according to Hon Asiedu, was his denial last Wednesday during vetting, by Hon.

Blay to probe into a stealing charge which he (Hon Asiedu) wanted to find out the truth or otherwise from the accused, the Deputy Minister-Designate for Lands, Hon. Benjamin Kuffour Osei.

This according to the NDC MP, never materialised as the chairman did not allow it on grounds that the matter should have been first brought before the Privileges Committee of the House for members to acquaint themselves with it before it is brought before the House because the nominee is also a member of the House. After refusing the handshake, he moved away from his usual front seat to the back where he refused to participate in the business of the committee.

When contacted Hon. Asiedu said his action to probe the nominee is not only a right on his part as one of the people's representative, but also to help the President to implement his policy of 'zero tolerance' against corruption.

Asked whether there is a divided House, he answered in the negative adding that a decision will be taken on the matter when the committee meets. He assured that the boycott is only for a day and that he will continue with his colleagues in the next sitting.

"I think that if you draw your dagger and I draw mine we sit down to negotiate," he told the Chronicle. Later when Chronicle contacted Hon.

Blay he told the Chronicle that the Committee has met and that they did not tell him (Hon. Blay) that he was not fair to Hon. Asiedu for his action on Wednesday." I don't believe I have not been fair to Hon.

Asiedu" Hon. Blay stressed Meanwhile, six nominees were vetted by the AC last yesterday.

Five of them for the positions of Deputy Regional Ministers and Deputy Agriculture. The Deputy Regional Ministers were Messers Samuel Kofi Ahiave Dzamesi, Volta, Yaw Adjie-Duffour, Brong Ahafo, Issah Ketekewu, Northern and Ms Horner-Sam Sophia, Western.

Dr. Abel-Majeed Haroun of Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA) was vetted for the position of Deputy Minister, Agriculture.