A former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Freddie Blay, has said the Privileges Committee is best placed to investigate allegations that some NPP MPs were tipped after ratifying the sale of 70% shares of GT to UK-based company, Vodafone. The committee's hearing follows allegations by the Member of Parliament for Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa, P.C. Appiah-Ofori, that members of the Minority received $5,000 each after voting in favour of the deal. Mr Appiah-Ofori is expected to appear before the committee to substantiate the allegation. The issue triggered an uproar in the House Monday, pushing the Minority to temporarily refuse to take part in proceedings to ratify a World Bank loan. Speaking to Joy News on Tuesday, Mr Blay was optimistic the investigation by the committee would bring the issue to a closure. Meanwhile a member of the Anti-Corruption Coalition, Frances Dennis, has suggested that a body independent of Parliament investigates the allegations. “I think such an issue should go beyond the Privileges Committee,” she emphasised. She said although Parliament has mechanisms to solve its own issues, it must pursue the case in a way that will not be deemed to be a cover-up. Mr Twumasi Appiah, MP for Sene, who reiterated the allegation and incurred the displeasure of the NPP MPs on Monday - resulting in a walkout - has withdrawn his comment. The walkout was in protest of his statement which was criticised as one without merit. Story by Fiifi Koomson/Myjoyonline.com