The deadline for the Committee set up to probe circumstances that led to the $100,000 allegedly charged expatriate businessmen who sat close to the president at an awards event last year, has been extended.

The five-member committee was expected to submit its final report for consideration on January 24. But the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu announced on the floor of the House on Tuesday January 23 that the committee has not been able to conclude its work.

“Mr. Speaker, leadership is informed that the Committee has not been able to conclude their public sittings on the matter and wants an extension of time to finish the inquiry. Leadership has accordingly agreed to the request and granted them one more week. In the event, the Committee is required to submit their report not later than Wednesday, January 31, 2018”, the Majority Leader, said.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry was accused of extorting money from the expatriate businessmen.

The accusation was levelled against the Ministry by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Muntaka Mubarak, Members of Parliament for North Tongu and Asawase, respectively.

The ministry has, however, denied extorting money from the businessmen.