Alleged bribery scandal: Parliament on a slippery road - Kwamena Duncan

Central Regional Minister-designate, Kwamena Duncan says Parliament is on a "slippery road" if the House doesn't fully address the bribery allegations levelled against some members of the vetting committe.

Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Kwamena Duncan welcomed the 5-member Committee set up by Parliament to investigate the issue but advised members of the House to optimize the use of Parliamentary structures.

He expressed disappointment in the Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, for making the media his first port of call over the alleged bribery claim involving the Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko.

According to him, going on radio to reveal a sensitive issue such as an alleged attempt by a nominee to bribe his way into office is quite wrong.

To him, if care is not taken "anything that happens in Parliament; you will not go by the structures [laid down] clearly laid down in Parliament” but rather "the first port of call will be radio".

He wondered why Mr. Ayariga hurriedly broke the news without doing due diligence by first consulting with the leadership of the Minority caucus and cross-checking his facts.

“You must certify. You must be double sure that indeed this money came from Boakye Agyarko. You have to even go beyond the Chief Whip’s word. Find out, speak to others; get the trace. Trace it," he said.

He noted that "Parliament is on a slippery road" if it entertains such reactions from the members, "it is even a major (major) issue that all lovers of democracy must take a critical look at . . . Every member of Parliament must be concerned.”