Interior Minister responds to allegations of bribery attempt towards NDC MPs
The Minister of Interior, Henry Quartey, has strongly refuted allegations that he attempted to bribe opposition Members of Parliament by offering them recruitment slots in the security services.
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The accusations were raised by the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, during an interview on Joy News.
According to Mr. Asiedu Nketia, also known as General Mosquito, the Interior Minister allegedly made the offer to silence NDC MPs who were opposing the recruitment of approximately 10,000 party foot soldiers into the police force. He voiced concerns about the implications of such actions, warning that they could jeopardize peace in the upcoming election.
In a rebuttal, Mr. Quartey categorically denied these claims. He clarified that he had only informed his colleagues that the portals for recruitment into the security services were open and suggested they inform their constituents to apply. The Minister insisted that this was a goodwill gesture and not an attempt to bribe opposition MPs.
"Let me say categorically that I did not bribe any Member of Parliament," Mr. Quartey emphasized.
He further explained that his comments were made during a closed-door meeting with legislators and were not intended to influence or bribe anyone.
"...When you say bribe it is a very strong statement to use. I find it interesting that the National Chairman (of the NDC) can use the word bribe. How do you bribe a Member of Parliament", Mr. Quartey quizzed.
"Of course, MPs have got constituents who may have also bought forms, is it wrong is saying that if they have bought forms, they should go through the same process. Is it wrong? I am not saying that bring me five (of them) so I can put them there. So, let me say categorically that I did not bribe any Member of Parliament".
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He said his prompt was just to encourage all MPs to remind their constituents who applied in 2021 to get involved in the recruitment process.
The Interior Minister stressed that the security services remain neutral and should not be filled with political affiliates, adding that he had no intention to seek legal redress against Mr. Asiedu Nketiah.
"We are in a political season, frankly speaking I am not going to waste my time and energy to go to court over this. I am not going to do that but I just want to make it clear that there was no attempt to bribe any MP and I don't have a list of 10,000 on my desk," he said.
He urged the public to disregard Mr. Nketia's allegations, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining the peace and security of the nation.