Minority Leader Accuses Ad-Hoc Committee Chair of Bias, Calls for Recusal

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused Emmanuel Bedzrah, Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the vetting chaos, of bias and is demanding his recusal from the probe.

The Effutu MP argues that Mr. Bedzrah, who also serves as the MP for Ho West, has made public statements that undermine the neutrality of the committee. In a memorandum to Speaker Alban Bagbin, Mr. Afenyo-Markin alleged that the chairman’s comments breached both impartiality and confidentiality, thereby compromising the integrity of the investigation.

According to the Minority Leader, Mr. Bedzrah publicly claimed that he had instructed his colleagues not to participate in the probe and also alleged that an NPP MP withdrew from the proceedings on his directive.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin contends that these remarks violate the Speaker’s directive against public commentary on the committee’s work.

“Hon. Bedzrah’s public pronouncements have created a perception of bias, particularly against the Minority, and have compromised the credibility of the committee’s work,” the memorandum stated.

He further criticized Mr. Bedzrah for suggesting that Minority MPs were unwilling to cooperate, describing such statements as prejudicial and damaging to the credibility of the Minority Caucus.

“This request is not a challenge to your authority, Rt. Hon. Speaker, but a necessary corrective measure to restore faith in the process and ensure that justice is done fairly,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin wrote.

The Speaker has yet to respond to the memorandum.

The Ad-Hoc Committee was formed to investigate the disturbances that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, an incident that led to the temporary suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs). Although the suspensions were lifted after a leadership meeting on February 4, 2025, tensions remain high over the committee’s handling of the probe.

SOURCE: http://dew360.net