By Valentia Tetteh
An allegation made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin regarding internal security recruitment has been referred to Parliament’s Committee on Privileges and Immunities following exchanges on the floor of the House.
The referral follows concerns raised on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, over remarks made by the Minority Leader on Friday, 28 February, after President John Dramani Mahama delivered the State of the Nation Address.
Interior Minister cites contempt provisions
Addressing the House, Mr Muntaka argued that comments made by the Minority Leader suggesting irregularities in internal security recruitment were misleading and potentially contemptuous under Parliament’s Standing Orders.
He cited Standing Order 31(e) and (f), which address acts intended to deceive Parliament or the submission of false or scandalous statements.
“The submission of false, perverted, misleading, distorted, fabricated or scandalous statements in Parliament is contemptuous,” he said.
The Interior Minister insisted that the appropriate forum for addressing the matter is the Privileges Committee.
“The time for him to prove his allegation is now, and the best place to do that, Mr Speaker, is before the Privileges Committee,” he said, describing the remarks made after the State of the Nation Address as “contemptuous by every standard”.
Minority Leader proposes dialogue
Responding, Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that leaders must exercise caution when dealing with sensitive matters.
“When you are a leader, all manner of matters come to your attention, and you are required to be measured in such critical times,” he said.
He initially proposed a closed-door engagement on the issue.
“Honourable Minister for the Interior, I am not too sure you want us to pursue this matter publicly. I would prefer that you suspend sitting so that we discuss this matter at conclave,” he suggested.
However, he also indicated his readiness to appear before the Privileges Committee to present his evidence.
Majority insists on public hearing
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga rejected calls for private discussions and called for a public hearing.
“The attempt to scandalise this government will not happen,” he said.
Mr Ayariga argued that since the allegation was made publicly, it should be addressed in full view of the public.
“When you substantiate that allegation, you must do so in this chamber, in the full glare of all the media houses,” he stated.
He added that the government possesses documentation relating to the procurement process and ownership of the company involved and is prepared to present it before the Committee.
“The Minister for the Interior stands ready for you to come and prove his guilt. We want an open public inquiry,” he said.
Matter formally referred
Presiding over proceedings, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor clarified that allegations of breach of privilege are referred to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities, not to the Speaker personally.
“Accordingly, I will refer the allegation made by the Minister responsible for the Interior to the Committee on Privileges and Immunities,” he ruled.
He urged the Committee to work within a defined timeframe and report its findings to the House.
Mr Ahiafor also emphasised that a referral does not amount to a finding of guilt.
“The fact that this matter has been referred to the Privileges Committee does not mean that the person is guilty. All persons are deemed innocent until proven otherwise,” he said.
The Committee on Privileges and Immunities is expected to conduct hearings and submit its report to Parliament in due course.
