The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament today came to an abrupt adjournment due to what some of its members describe as gross disregard for the committee by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr. Benjamin Kunbour who has consistently refused to appear before the committee as well as provide them with documents relating to the activities which lead to the payment of GH¢51 million settlement debt to Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome.
In a letter to the committee, Dr. Kunbour said the controversial judgment debt case is still in court and his appearance before the committee to discuss the same issue is prejudicial.
Mr. Woyome, the Businessman at the centre the controversy was present with his Lawyers at sitting today but had to leave without any activity.
The obviously frustrated Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaa opened the flour for suggestions on whether or not to continue the proceedings since they were not equipped.
NPP Member for Atwima/Mponua and Member of the Committee, Mr Isaac Asiamah reiterated the importance and legitimacy of the Public Accounts Committee and admonished that greater value be given to the committee and its activities since it is a Partliamentary committee and no one had the right to refuse to appear before them. He expressed worry about the fact that there was not even a single document to show why the GH¢51 million settlement debt was paid to Mr. Alfred Agbesi Woyome.
A member of the Committee in his submission plead the Committee to be fair in dealing with ‘no-show’ witnesses. According to him, lots of other people who have refused to appear before Committee and can’t even be traced so they be fair to the Attorny General .
Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaa hinted that necessary sanctions would be applied against the Attorney General if he continued his actions. He also acknowledged Mr. Woyome for being present “in spite of the views he holds.”
Sitting resumes tomorrow.