The Minority Caucus in Parliament has announced plans to file a substantive motion seeking a parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances surrounding a recent awards scheme that honoured several government appointees.
According to the caucus, the proposed investigation is intended to address growing public concerns about the basis for the awards, the criteria used in selecting recipients, and whether any payments were made by awardees to secure recognition.
Speaking to Adom News, Opposition spokesperson on Economy and Development, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, said the Minority wants Parliament to establish the facts surrounding the awards and determine whether any monies exchanged hands in the process.
The caucus is also seeking clarity on whether such payments, if any, came from public resources or private funds.
The move follows public debate over an awards event at which a number of ministers and other government appointees were recognised, sparking criticism from sections of the public and even some members of government over the appropriateness of public officials receiving such honours while in office.
The controversy prompted President John Dramani Mahama to issue a directive barring ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, chief executive officers of state institutions and other political appointees from accepting private awards without prior approval from the Office of the President.
The directive was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and public confidence in government, amid concerns that some award schemes could create perceptions of conflict of interest or undermine public trust.
Meanwhile, the Minority is also preparing to move another motion relating to the reconsideration of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
The development follows comments by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who raised concerns about procedural irregularities and certain provisions in the bill. The Speaker subsequently indicated that the legislation should be reconsidered before being transmitted to the Executive.
His position differs from that of some members of the Majority, who maintain that the bill has already been passed by Parliament and only requires transmission for further action.
The latest developments set the stage for renewed debate in Parliament as lawmakers prepare to examine both the controversial awards scheme and the future of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.
Source: adomonline.com
