The former presidential spokesperson Mahama Ayariga has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Appointments Committee of Parliament. Mr Ayariga’s approval was stalled for days to enable the committee to go through reports that he wrongfully acquired tractors which were meant for poor farmers. The halt in Mr Ayariga’s approval as deputy Trade and Industry Minister, followed a document from the Commission on Human Rights and Administration (CHRAJ) that cleared the former presidential spokesperson of an unfair acquisition of tractors. Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Mr Atta Akyea, said the committee needed to verify the authenticity of the document before clearing Mr Ayariga. The purchase of the 10 tractors by Mr Ayariga last year torched off huge controversy, and seemed to have lingered in the minds of his political opponents. The core of an over-six-hour vetting exercise of the former MP by the Appointments Committee two weeks ago was his acquisition of the farm implement. The former Bawku Central MP raised a strong defense that he secured the machines to assist farmers in his area with cheap tractor services. In an interview with Joy News’ Sammy Darko, Mr Akyea played down suggestions that the Appointments Committee deliberately delayed Mr Ayariga’s nomination as punishment. Speculations had been making the rounds that Mr Ayariga betrayed former Foreign Affairs Minister Designate, Mr Moses Asaga, when Mr Asaga came public to announce that the President had instructed the payment of ex gratia to MPs. According to Mr Asaga, the Mr Ayariga had given him the impression that the President wanted MPs ex-gratia paid. Mr Ayariga however came out denying that he ever engaged Mr Asaga in a communication to that effect. Meanwhile Mr Akyea has given the indication that the document on Mr Ayariga’s approval will soon be forwarded to the House for consideration. Story Myjoyonline.com