The parliament has granted approval to Cynthia Jane Naa-koshie Lamprey’s appointment as deputy special prosecutor.
Concerns were raised by the minority over her handling of their vetting process which was conducted in camera.This decision has sparked debates on the consequences that will erupt in future appointments
The MP for Asawase during the life session expressed his disapproval of the confidential vetting process.
He further stated that because someone is being renominated,that does not justify a closed door vetting process.
He also noted that the standing orders of the appointment committee stipulates that vetting ought to be public and urge against deviating from already established proceeding,he stressed that though it was not necessarily incorrect to vett in camera.
The MP voiced apprehension about the implication closed door vetting may have about the credibility and transparency of the Parliament as this might weaken the trust the public has on Parliament proceeding
Mr muntaka stressed that when vetting are openly done,there will still be doubts and questions from the public and if the public is aware that approvals were done privately, it could further erode trust and faith in Parliament proceedings.
He said “I’m not saying what we’ve done is wrong but the moment we pick and choose, tomorrow another minister or somebody else will use that and say ‘why am I not been vetted in camera’ and by the time we realise we will further weaken this house”.
“This house is already weak and we can never run away from that, the public don’t even trust us. Even when we sit before the cameras and vet, they still come with questions and doubts about ‘why didn’t you do this, why didn’t you do that’ and now if all they will hear is that we are approving people and we did it in camera it’s not good,” he added.
The former Minority leader cautioned that the appointment committee must exercise its authority and recognise the importance of public scrutiny as he warned against introducing variations against the already established vetting process as this can raise suspicion.
