The First Deputy Whip of the Minority, Habib Iddrisu, has called for the suspension of today’s vetting, January 28, citing allegations of impropriety against the Vetting Committee.
The call follows accusations by Oliver Barker Vormawor, who alleged that National Democratic Congress (NDC) members on the Vetting Committee accept money from ministerial nominees before granting approval. Vormawor claimed, “NDC members on the vetting committee take money from Mahama’s ministerial nominee before approving them. The deputy speaker must subject himself to ORAL.”
Mr. Iddrisu stressed that such allegations raise reputational concerns for the committee and Parliament as a whole. “If there are reputational issues relating to the chairman, it affects the entire house,” he said.
Citing Article 103(6) of the 1992 Constitution, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that the committee has the authority to compel witnesses to testify under oath. He argued, “I don’t see why members of this committee should continue with the vetting because our reputation is at stake.”
He further stated, “The vetting should not continue—not because the nominee has done anything wrong, but because the reputation of the chairman and members of the committee is at stake.”
Drawing attention to historical precedents, Mr. Iddrisu referenced the 8th Parliament, where some members of the Appointments Committee resigned over similar concerns, notably citing Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s resignation.
He urged the clerk of the committee to write formally to Mr. Vormawor, demanding evidence to substantiate the allegations before the vetting proceeds. “We have no moral right as a committee to continue with this if we have our reputation being tainted with corruption,” he asserted.
However, Hon. Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor opposed Mr. Iddrisu’s position, urging him to withdraw his call for suspension. “We cannot allow comments however derogatory or defamatory they may be, to adversely affect the ability of parliament to carry out its mandate,” he stated.
Hon. Dafeamekpor argued that Parliament should not halt its proceedings based on external allegations. He invoked Order 39(1) of the Standing Orders, suggesting that the penal provisions for parliamentary conduct be enforced while allowing the Vetting Committee to continue its work.
 of the 1992 Constitution, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that the committee has the authority to compel witnesses to....){kind=link}