Some Minority MPs took bribe to vote in favour of ministerial nominees

The recent secret balloting in Ghana’s Parliament, which led to the confirmation of all six ministerial appointees by the President, has sparked disappointment and controversy.

Despite the Minority having the same number of members as the Majority in the House, all nominees were approved with the help of some NDC MPs breaking ranks.

Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South, George Kwaku Rickets-Haggan, has revealed that some of his colleagues were bribed to cast their ballots in approval of the ministers. Speaking on TV3’s KeyPoints on March 25, Mr. Rickets-Hagan enumerated three key reasons that influenced the voting pattern of some of the Minority MPs.

He cited greediness as one of the reasons for the betrayal of trust, indicating that some nominees had induced 30 members from their side to get the appointees affirmed. He confirmed that some MPs were bribed or took money to vote in favor of the nominees.

Mr. Rickets-Haggan criticized his party for failing to hold the government accountable for the appointments after making promises to reduce the size of the government. He described the situation as a disgrace and shameful for the party, adding that their leadership needed to be more alert to be accepted by Ghanaians as an alternative government.

He also alleged that some MPs sabotaged the process, undermining Hon. Ato Forson’s leadership as punishment for Asiedu Nketia. He clarified that the sabotage was not directed at the individuals but rather the principle that was breached.

Additionally, he suggested that the relationship between the appointees and some members of the Minority caucus influenced the voting pattern despite the party’s directive to whip all members along one line.

The allegations of bribery and betrayal of trust have raised concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s Parliament and the role of MPs in ensuring transparency and accountability in government.

The situation calls for a thorough investigation to identify those involved and hold them accountable for their actions.

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