We had quorum to continue vetting despite walk out by Minority – Ahiafor

The Chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has explained why they proceeded with vetting of President Mahama’s ministerial nominees after members of the Minority walked out of the session on January 31.

He said the remaining members formed a quorum, thus had the legal basis to continue the exercise.

“The suspension of 2 of the 11 members did not mean we could not work,” he told Alfred Ocansey during an exclusive interview on February 3.

According to Mr Ahiafor, there was basis for the Minority members to leave in the first place.

“Their decision was based on the information by Habib, which turned out not to be true,” he stated.

It would be recalled that on January 31, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, suspended 4 Members of Parliament for their role in the chaotic scenes witnessed the previous day.

The members are; Rockson Dafeamekpor, Hassan Tampuli, Frank Annor Dompreh and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

This development forced the members of the Committee from the Minority side to boycott proceedings. Per information provided by the Minority Chief, Habib Iddrisu, Speaker Bagbin directed at plenary that the work of the Committee be halted for a reconstitution to be effected. Mr Iddrisu added that the Speaker had requested a meeting with the leaders immediately.

However, Mr Ahiafor said this information was inaccurate.

“The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga said the Speaker had postponed the meeting to Monday February 3 at 11:00am and that the Committee could continue its work,” Mr Ahiafor stated.

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