11.7 C
London
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

I never spoke at conclave meeting – Ablakwa denies Osei Owusu testimony

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has denied comments linked to him that Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) cooked up bribery allegations against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs to score political points.

Okudzeto stressed that he never made any such comment as claimed by the First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee Joe Osei Owusu when he first testified before the Committee investigating the matter.

Joe Osei Owusu was implicated in the bribery saga by Mahama Ayariga who claimed GHC3,000 each was channelled through him to be given to some opposition MPs on the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

According to the First Deputy Speaker, at a private meeting with the Speaker of Parliament and some MPs, he angrily demanded the claim be thoroughly discussed.

But to his relief, Okudzeto said at that meeting, the entire claim is to pay back the NPP government for characterising the Mahama-led NDC government as corrupt.

The tensed room then erupted into laughter. This is the testimony Joe Osei Owusu gave.

But this is no laughing matter for Okudzeto Ablakwa whose turn it is to get angry. He has described Joe Osei Owusu’s testimony as a ‘desperate fabrication’.

He appeared at the special investigative committee of parliament to explain why Joe Osei Owusu’s testimony must not be believed.

He said since his name was mentioned in the saga, he has been troubled by many calls including that of his pastor. He said smearing political opponents is a no-no for him by his Christian training.

Ablakwa said he wrote to the Special Bribery Investigating Committee to serve as a witness because of his desire to state his side of the story.

Although he was given a hearing, Chairman of the Committee Joe Ghartey wondered why he chose to be a witness when he had no extra information.

The MP was asked to submit a memo on whatever he wishes to put across to the committee.

Latest news
Related news
- Advertisement -