The Chairman of the Special Committee investigating the disturbances at the Appointments Committee, Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, has dismissed calls for his removal, labelling the Minority’s press conference on the matter as hypocritical.
Addressing the media after a committee sitting in Accra, the Ho West MP refuted claims of bias, arguing that both the Majority and Minority members had initially agreed to participate in the probe. He emphasized that the committee would continue its work despite the Minority’s boycott.
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Accusations of bias
Mr. Bedzrah’s remarks come in response to a press conference held by Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, MP for Asante Akim Central, who accused him of being prejudiced and unfit to chair the committee. The Minority has also alleged that Bedzrah’s leadership has been partial, leading to their withdrawal from the committee’s proceedings.
However, Bedzrah rejected these claims, stating that the accusations were baseless. “I don’t know where the accusation of bias is coming from. Maybe they have to identify exactly how I was biased,” he said.
Committee proceedings continue
Despite the Minority’s boycott, Mr. Bedzrah affirmed that the committee has the numbers to proceed with its work. “We are a seven-member committee, and five of us are here. Two absentees do not affect our ability to form a quorum and take decisions,” he stated.
He further hinted that if Minority members refuse to testify before the committee, video evidence of their roles in the disturbances during the vetting could be made public.
The Speaker of Parliament is expected to respond to a memo from the Minority on the matter. Meanwhile, the committee remains committed to completing its mandate unless directed otherwise by the Speaker.
