Former First Deputy Speaker admits MPs get cash after vetting, denies bribery

Former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has admitted that members of the Appointments Committee receive money from the Chief of Staff after vetting nominees but insists it is not bribery.

Speaking on Joy News, the former Bekwai MP described the payments as facilitating their work and dismissed claims of undue influence.

He criticized the culture of unverified allegations in Ghana, referencing past bribery accusations in 2017 involving Mahama Ayariga.

Responding to journalist Manasseh Azure’s book, which highlighted the practice, Osei-Owusu maintained that the payments did not compromise parliamentary integrity.

He questioned how funds given after vetting could influence decisions, insisting that the issue had been misrepresented to the public.