The Minority Caucus in Parliament has said it will present evidence of an alleged illicit trade in Ghanaian diplomatic and service passports.
It insisted that claims of the travel documents being acquired through false representations and impersonation warranted a thorough investigation, saying it had supporting material raising serious concerns about their alleged procurement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, made this known at a press conference in Parliament yesterday, reacting to last Tuesday's walkout over the Speaker's directive that the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, leave the Chamber.
Supporting material
Mr Afenyo-Markin said members of the Foreign Affairs Committee would set out the evidence for public scrutiny. He called for its authenticity to be tested and for the persons concerned to be given the opportunity to respond.
"A diplomatic passport carries the authority and reputation of the Republic.
Any credible indication that it is being obtained through false representations demands scrutiny of the highest seriousness," he added.
Oversight responsibility
He called on Parliament to exercise its oversight responsibilities under Article 103 of the 1992 Constitution, which provides for committees to investigate ministries and departments.
Defending Mr Jinapor, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the MP withdrew his remarks when directed by the Speaker, but was still ordered out.
Mr Jinapor had raised reports that diplomatic passports were allegedly being sold for between US$10,000 and US$50,000, and sought accountability from the Foreign Affairs Minister.
"His compliance was rewarded by being walked out," Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
In a statement, the caucus described the decision as "disproportionate, humiliating and, in its effect, an act of parliamentary bullying".
It noted that the Government commands a majority exceeding two-thirds of Parliament, warning that "the danger of elective dictatorship becomes real".
'We shall not be silenced'
The caucus said it had endured what it considered "a disturbing pattern of intimidation, harassment and politically motivated actions", including arrests, detention and onerous bail conditions against colleagues.
"Cowardice is not in our DNA. Fear is a stranger to our heartbeat. Intimidation cannot break our spirit," the statement said.
The caucus vowed to "continue to demand accountability from the Government, its Ministers and all public officials", adding: "Whatever pressure comes our way, we shall return to our duty."
Minister challenged
Mr Afenyo-Markin insisted the incident should not overshadow the need to hear from the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
"Let a mighty Minority make its case and let the evidence be examined and let the minister be heard. Let Parliament perform its duty and let the people decide," he said.
He said Mr Ablakwa, who was vocal in demanding accountability from the previous government, must not shield himself from scrutiny.
