The Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has requested the recusal of Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah as Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the disturbances that disrupted the ministerial vetting process on January 30, 2025.

In a memorandum addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Afenyo-Markin cited concerns over Bedzrah’s breach of impartiality and confidentiality, which he claims have compromised the integrity of the committee’s work.

The Ad-Hoc Committee was established to probe the chaos that erupted during the vetting of ministerial nominees, an incident that led to the suspension of four Members of Parliament (MPs). While the suspensions were later lifted following a leadership meeting on February 4, 2025, tensions have persisted over the conduct of the committee’s proceedings.

In his memorandum, Afenyo-Markin highlighted several instances where Mr Bedzrah allegedly made public statements that undermined the committee’s neutrality.

Notably, Mr Bedzrah reportedly accused the Minority Leader of instructing his colleagues not to participate in the probe and claimed that an NPP MP withdrew from the proceedings on Mr Afenyo-Markin’s directive.

These comments, Mr Afenyo-Markin argued, were made in violation of the Speaker’s directive to avoid public debate on the committee’s work.

“Hon. Bedzrah’s public pronouncements have created a perception of bias, particularly against the Minority, and have compromised the credibility of the committee’s work,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated.

He explained that such actions were inconsistent with the principles of fair and impartial inquiry, which are essential for maintaining public trust in the investigative process.

The Minority leader also expressed concern about Bedzrah’s suggestion that Minority MPs were “afraid or unwilling” to assist the committee. Alexander Afenyo-Markin described these remarks as prejudicial and argued that they cast aspersions on the Minority Caucus, further eroding confidence in the committee’s objectivity.

In light of these developments, the Effutu legislator is calling for the immediate recusal of Mr Bedzrah as Chair and the reconstitution of the committee with a new leader who can ensure neutrality and discretion.

He also requested an audience with the Speaker to discuss the matter further and explore ways to prevent the committee’s work from exacerbating tensions within Parliament.

“This request is not a challenge to your authority, Rt. Hon. Speaker, but a necessary corrective measure to restore faith in the process and ensure that justice is done fairly,” Mr Afenyo-Markin wrote.

The Speaker has yet to respond to the memorandum.