The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the establishment of an investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the recently organised Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours, following allegations that have raised serious concerns about the credibility of the awards scheme.
The call was made on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 11, by the Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, who argued that a comprehensive and impartial investigation is necessary to determine the processes, standards and criteria used in selecting recipients of the honours.
The demand comes in the wake of allegations by the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, who claimed he was asked to pay GH¢50,000 in exchange for receiving an award under the scheme.
The allegation has sparked widespread public debate and intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in the organisation of the awards, with many questioning the integrity of the selection process.
Addressing Parliament, Habib Iddrisu maintained that the explanations provided so far have failed to adequately address the concerns raised by the allegations, insisting that lawmakers have a duty to uncover the truth.
“Listening to the issue and the response given by the Minister for Government Communication, Mr. Speaker, if you can kindly direct to set up a committee to investigate the matter,” he said.
“A bipartisan committee should investigate this matter so that we know the criteria for the awards. We deserve the truth.”
The Minority believes that a parliamentary inquiry involving members from both sides of the House would help restore public confidence by establishing whether the awards were conducted fairly and in accordance with transparent standards.
The controversy surrounding the Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours has generated significant public interest, with critics calling for reforms to ensure that national recognition is based on merit and free from any perception of financial influence or impropriety.
