I have no intention of stepping down as Chief Whip - Muntaka

The minority Chief Whip Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has dispelled allegations that he will be stepping down soon as speculated by a section of members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Sources within the party hierarchy in the Ashanti region indicate that Alhaji Muntaka is likely to resign following the alleged bribery scandal that rocked Parliament weeks ago.

According to the party gurus (who requested to remain anonymous), they have lost confidence in the lawmaker to represent them in Parliament.

But in an interview with Ultimatefmonline.com, Farouk Muniru the Special Assistant to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asawase Constituency, there is no such plan.

‘I can say on authority that Hon Muntaka has not taken any decision of stepping down as the minority chief whip, he is and will be at post as the minority chief of Parliament,’ he refuted.

He called on the public to disregard such rumour.

The minority chief whip is accused by the MP for Bawku central constituency Mahama Ayariga of offering bribes to the minority.

Mr Ayariga alleged that the chairman of the Appointments Committee of Parliament Joe Osei-Owusu through the chief whip gave money to some members on the committee prior to the approval of the minister of energy Boakye Agyarko.

But appearing on the ad hoc bribery committee chaired by the MP for Essikado-Ketan constituency, both Mr Osei -Owusu and Alhaji Muntaka denied the allegations.

But Mr Ayariga who maintained that Alhaji Muntaka gave them money adding that he only heard rumour that Mr Osei-Owusu was a conduit of bribe.