The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has formally referred Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee following a complaint by Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak.
The referral arises from allegations that Afenyo-Markin described the ongoing security recruitment exercise as a “scam,” claiming that it imposes significant financial burdens on applicants through a third-party IT firm.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak said the Minority Leader’s remarks were contemptuous.
“On Friday, during the State of the Nation Address, the Minority Leader categorically described the current internal security recruitment as scandalous. He claimed corruption is looming and that people will go to prison,” the Interior Minister said.
According to Minister Mohammed-Mubarak, such claims fall under standing orders 31 E and F, which deem them contemptuous of Parliament. He added that the appropriate forum to substantiate such allegations is the Privileges Committee, where Mr. Afenyo-Markin will have an opportunity to present his evidence.
Responding to the referral, Afenyo-Markin welcomed the action and called for a public hearing. He expressed his readiness to appear before the committee to clarify his statements.
“Honourable Minister of Interior, let the referral be made, and let there be a public hearing. I will avail myself should you exercise that discretion, and the matter can then be brought to a peaceful resolution,” he said.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga weighed in on the controversy, criticizing the Minority Leader for allegedly attempting to create “non-existing scandals” to tarnish the government’s image.
“I want to hear the evidence in public. The attempt to scandalize this government will not succeed. If indeed a minister or senior NDC official has an interest in the company providing this service, we want to know so that action can be taken. Otherwise, we will insist on the most severe punishment on you,” he warned.
Meanwhile, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor emphasized that the referral does not imply guilt. He reiterated that Afenyo-Markin remains innocent until the investigation concludes.
“The fact that this matter has been referred to the Privileges Committee does not mean that the person is guilty. All suspects are presumed innocent. It is the responsibility of the committee to make a recommendation to the House,” he said.
