Social media activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has clarified that his recent bribery allegations were not aimed at Parliament’s Appointments Committee, following intense public and political scrutiny over a controversial social media post.
The uproar began when Barker-Vormawor, known for his vocal criticisms of Ghana’s governance, posted on social media alleging that bribes were being paid to secure ministerial approvals.
In his post, he wrote: “So all the monies the ministerial appointees are being asked to pay to the Appointments Committee just to get approved, are those ones not affected by ORAL? Strange Republic.”
The post, which referenced the Appointments Committee and hinted at potential corruption, led many to believe Barker-Vormawor was accusing the committee of misconduct, sparking widespread backlash.
The cryptic nature of his statement only fueled speculation about its meaning and implications.
However, during an appearance before the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 29, Barker-Vormawor’s legal counsel, Nana Ato Dadzie, sought to clear up any misunderstandings.
Dadzie emphasized that the comments were not meant to target the Appointments Committee members but were instead intended to highlight concerns about broader issues of transparency and ethical governance.
“The point of that statement is that it was not directed at the Appointments Committee in any way. It was only intended to expose certain matters that had come to his notice—acts that some people were apparently engaging in, which may not enhance transparency,” Dadzie explained.
He further clarified that the statement carried a double meaning and should not be interpreted as an attack on the Committee’s integrity. Rather, it was a whistleblower-style remark intended to bring attention to unethical practices within Ghana’s political system.
“It was never his intention to disparage the Appointments Committee, and one can clearly say that the statement has a double meaning. If anything, it was a statement from a whistleblower indicating that certain things are happening,” Dadzie added.
Barker-Vormawor’s clarification comes as Parliament reaffirms its commitment to due process and accountability in the vetting of ministerial nominees.
