Knowing how grave it is to bear false witness against a neighbor, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has vowed not to change his stance on the alleged bribery scandal that hit the Appointments Committee as he prepares to face a five-member committee approved by Parliament.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has sworn by the heavens not to go against God’s word in Exodus 20:16, which teaches every Christian that “Thou shalt not bear false witness” as he preps for the encounter with the committee.
“This is the truth and God is my witness. I will not bare false witness, remember in the Bible that the 10 commandments speak against this. There is a grave sanction for you if you are a Christian and you bear false witness. I wouldn’t tell a lie on somebody”, he said.
Although Members of the House have been barred by the Speaker from commenting publicly on the issue as it amounts to contempt while the committee does it work, Hon. Ablakwa told Radio Gold in an interview on Monday, February 13, 2017 that Energy Minister designate, Boakye Agyarko, tried to bribe the Minority Caucus on the Appointments Committee when he appeared before them to be vetted.
The five-member investigative ad-hoc committee formed by Parliament to investigate the bribery scandal is expected to commence sitting on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, but Hon. Ablakwa maintains that “we are not changing our position - Hon. Boakye Agyarko sort to bribe us when he was having difficulties with his approval”.
He revealed that “we received envelopes containing GHS3000 each. We met and decided at a meeting chaired by our leader, Hon Haruna Iddrisu, whom I have a lot of respect for, great leader… he agreed with all of us that let us all return the money and we all returned the envelopes.”
He continued that: “What I know is that an envelope was given to me and my other colleagues and we found out that it wasn’t our allowances…We heard where the money was coming from and we did our own checks and got confirmation so we decided to return it. We are not in parliament to receive any nominee’s money. Our constituents didn’t send us to parliament to go and receive bribes from nominees."
Earlier on, there were suggestions that the alleged bribery scandal should be referred to the Privileges Committee of the Legislative House, but the Speaker upheld the proposal for the proposed Committee to launch investigations into the issue, explaining that the allegations of corruption is beyond the reach of the privileges.
He approved the establishment of an in-house Committee after he accepted a proposal from the Majority leader, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu.
The Speaker of Parliament also referred to Standing Order 191 of Parliament, stating emphatically that the order “should also put to rest whether Parliament can inquire into matter A or matter B anytime in the history of this Republic. Parliament, as the representative of the people, is empowered inherently and is recognized in this particular part of our Standing Orders to inquire into any matter from archaeology to zoology, within the republic of Ghana.”
For this reason, former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, who’s also the MP for Essikadu-Ketan in the Western Region, Joe Ghartey is to lead a five-member committee approved by the house.
Magnus Amoatey, MP for Yilo Krobo, Ben Abdalla, MP for Offinso South and B.T. Baba, as well as Ama Pomaa Boateng, MPs for Talensi and Juben constituencies respectively are also committee members.
They have been given 4 weeks to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the scandal and submit its report to the House.
Source: Chris Joe Quaicoe/ email: [email protected]
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can somebody educate me,how many minority members are on the appointments committee,and how many of them are making the allegation.
Lying through those teeth.
Okudzeto Ablakwa wo y3 a.boa p.iii
When did this guy know the Bible is for the truth? Where was the Bible when he said to the whole nation ndc had created over 1000 jobs when Hon. ET Mensah came out to refute that he didn't know where the jobs were,where was his Bible when he led Africa Automobile to dupe the nation millions and thousands of Euros or his Bible only works when ndc is in opposition? God is never to be mocked,all those in the ndc with voodoo and juju under their beds and holding the Bible on the other hand will one day answer to the owner of this world. If this behaviour couldn't help the ndc to succeed and retain them in power so will it not work for them in opposition until they come out with clean heart devoid of h*te and e*viness to destroy others. Ablakwah what did you mean by Muntaka has betrayed you? and what about Nii Lantey Vanderpuye who said he was also supposed to receive that money but nothing like that happened? Ablakwah the battle is still the Lord's, he that thinks he is standing must be careful he doesn't fall down. God is watching you with an eagle eye and will strike and expose you not far from today. We serving a living God. Mr Agyarko time chukuuuu Onyame beko amawo. Animguase3 mfata wo it will return to sender.
THIS BABY WITH SHARP TEETH MAY DIE BEFORE THE END OF 2017
You heard that the money came from Agyarko or you know for sure? Hearing and knowing are very different. DFid you hear it from the honorable minister or you heard it from someone else? Radio Gold is the only place you will go and make these assertions. A big 'baby with the sharpest teeth'
Okudzeto said "we heard" which is not the same as We Know. So swearing on that false premise is wrong on his part.
Okudjato, did you receive the money from Hon. Agyarko himself for you to swear? What kind of desperation is that? You're not truthful...repent.
Where else than Radio Gold where he won't be asked any challenging questions?
Evidence needed, where and when did Agyarko give the bribe? Who was present? What was the denomination? You receive money and you assume it was an allowance? Are parliamentary salary and allowances normally paid in cash or transferred to your bank accounts?