Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee investigating disruptions during the ministerial vetting process, has dismissed accusations from the Minority that he is biased. Speaking to the press after the committee’s sitting on Friday, February 7, Bedzrah rejected claims made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had petitioned the Speaker of Parliament alleging breaches of impartiality and confidentiality.
According to Bedzrah, the allegations are unfounded. “I’m not biased. You have all seen the proceedings, and we were surprised that the Minority was not present,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin’s petition raised concerns that Bedzrah’s actions were undermining the integrity of the committee. The Minority Leader pointed to public statements by Bedzrah that allegedly compromised the committee’s neutrality. In response, Bedzrah emphasized that no substantial evidence of bias had been presented.
The dispute intensified following remarks by Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, the Vice Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee and a Minority MP. Anyimadu-Antwi accused Bedzrah of bias and announced that the Minority would withdraw from further proceedings. Bedzrah, however, expressed surprise at these claims, noting that Anyimadu-Antwi had attended the committee’s initial sitting without raising concerns about impartiality at that time. “He was here with us, so I don’t understand where these accusations are coming from,” he said.
Bedzrah also addressed the petition for his removal, noting that it must first be submitted to the Speaker for consideration before any action can be taken. He emphasized that the committee would continue its work as planned.
Despite prior assurances, Bedzrah reported that Minority witnesses invited to testify had failed to appear. He warned that if the witnesses do not show up at the next session on Monday, the committee would consider invoking constitutional provisions and parliamentary standing orders.
The ongoing tension highlights the division over the investigation into the chaotic ministerial vetting process, with the Minority accusing Bedzrah of undermining the committee’s credibility.
