Mahama Ayariga guilty of contempt; asked to apologise to Parliament

The Joe Ghartey Committee, set up to investigate the recent bribery allegations in Parliament has recommended that the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mr Mahama Ayariga should be sanctioned.

This was after the committee established a case of contempt against him.

The committee concluded that Mr Ayariga failed to provide evidence to support his allegations that Mr Boakye Agyarko gave money to Mr Joe Osei Owusu to be distributed to Members of the Appointments Committee of Parliament with a view to bribe them.

Consequently, it has recommended that Mr Ayariga should be made to render an unqualified apology to Parliament.

In addition, he is to be reprimanded by the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with Section 35 of the Parliament Act, 1965 (Act 300).

The committee said in recommending the sanctions for the MP, it took notice of the fact that Mr Ayariga is not known to have engaged in acts that tend to disrupt the smooth proceedings of Parliament neither does he have a penchant nor reputation of engaging in activity which can bring the image and dignity of Parliament into disrepute .

“Accordingly we view the recommendations relating to the sanctions adequate in the circumstances,” the report which was signed by the Chairman, a copy of which has been seen by Graphic Online stated.

…more to follow 

Writer’s email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh

Follow on Twitter @enochfrimpong