The Minority in Parliament has demanded for a full-scale investigation into the recently held Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours, urging the House to establish a bipartisan committee to examine allegations that have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the awards scheme.
The demand follows claims that individuals may have been required to make substantial financial payments in order to secure recognition under the programme, allegations that have triggered widespread public debate and renewed scrutiny of award schemes operating in the country.
Raising the matter on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 11, the Deputy Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, argued that the controversy had reached a stage where a transparent and independent inquiry had become necessary.
According to him, Parliament owes the public a duty to establish whether the awards were conferred through a credible, merit-based process or whether other considerations influenced the selection of recipients.
His intervention comes in the wake of allegations by the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, who publicly claimed that he was asked to pay GH¢50,000 in exchange for receiving an award under the honours scheme.
The allegation has generated significant public interest, with governance experts, civil society groups and political observers questioning the standards and procedures used in selecting award recipients.
The controversy has also reignited discussions about the proliferation of honours and recognition programmes in the country and the need for greater transparency in their operations.
Source: tolonradio.com
