Social media activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has clarified that his recent comments on bribery allegations were not intended to accuse members of Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
This clarification follows widespread public and political backlash triggered by a social media post that many perceived as an attack on the Committee’s integrity.
In his post, Barker-Vormawor 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 cryptic statement sparked controversy, as it was interpreted as a direct accusation against the Committee, which oversees the vetting and approval of ministerial nominees.
However, during a session with the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 29, Barker-Vormawor’s legal counsel, Nana Ato Dadzie, clarified that the activist’s remarks were not aimed at the Committee members. Instead, they were intended to raise 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 noted that the post carried a double meaning and should not be interpreted as a direct indictment of the Committee’s work or integrity. Instead, it was meant as a whistleblower’s effort to shed light on unethical practices within Ghana’s political landscape.
“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,” he added.
Barker-Vormawor’s clarification comes as Parliament continues to uphold its commitment to due process and accountability in the vetting of ministerial nominees.
