The Minority in Parliament has submitted a fresh motion to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the reported US$1.7 billion loss linked to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
The move forms part of the Caucus’ continued efforts to get Parliament to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported financial loss, despite suggestions that the matter could be referred to the Public Accounts Committee.
Speaking after a Minority Caucus meeting, Old Tafo MP and member of Parliament’s Economy Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, confirmed that the motion had been submitted to Speaker Alban Bagbin for consideration.
He said the Minority deliberately chose the ad hoc committee route because it believes the mechanism would allow Parliament to conduct a thorough investigation.
Mr Assafuah argued that Parliament has several constitutional and procedural avenues for investigating matters of public interest and does not have to rely solely on the Public Accounts Committee.
He cited Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution and several provisions of Parliament’s Standing Orders, including Orders 204, 212, 213, 262 and 263, as providing grounds for establishing an ad hoc committee with powers to invite or summon persons relevant to an investigation.
The Minority has accused Mr Gyamfi of attempting to divert attention from the GoldBod issue by alleging that Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin engaged in extortion.
Mr Assafuah rejected the allegation and said the Minority remained united behind its leader.
He challenged Mr Gyamfi to provide evidence for the extortion claims, insisting that the allegations should not distract from questions surrounding the reported financial loss.
If approved, the proposed ad hoc committee would investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported loss and invite individuals and institutions with relevant information to assist in establishing the facts.
Mr Assafuah said the Minority considers the motion a priority and expects the Speaker to consider it within the week.
