The Chairman of the special committee investigating the vetting chaos, Emmanuel Bedzrah, has set the record straight, stating that the decision to suspend the public hearing was driven by the Minority, not Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin.

On Wednesday, February 5, the committee suspended its proceedings indefinitely.

Initially, Mr Bedzrah announced that the suspension was based on directives from the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, who had indicated that the Speaker would provide further guidance.

However, speaking in an interview on Channel One Newsroom, Mr Bedzrah clarified that the Minority played a major role in the decision to halt proceedings.

“Let me say that the Speaker was not in the know at all. As a matter of fact, after what happened at the committee sitting, I decided to meet with the Clerk and the two leaders, including the Deputy Speakers, at the Speaker’s lobby.

“So when I got there, I was told the Speaker had given instruction, so I called the Speaker because the Speaker has travelled, and they all said that they were not able to get in touch with the Speaker on the phone,” he explained.

Mr Bedzrah further revealed, “They said they spoke to the Speaker, and the Speaker directed that we should, since they have apologised, hold on to this. And I said no, this is not the instruction I received from the Speaker.

“Everybody heard the Speaker yesterday that the Clerk should continue with its work, so I called the Speaker, and he said he has not given any instruction that we should stop.

"So in the chaos, we decided that well, we had already suspended, and the way forward is to allow the Speaker to return and give specific instruction.”

Emphasising that the Minority was behind the move, Mr Bedzrah stated, “Honestly, this whole stoppage came from the Minority side. I can tell you on authority.”