Chairman of the special committee investigating the vetting disturbances, Emmanuel Bedzrah, has dismissed claims that the probe has been indefinitely suspended, clarifying that proceedings will resume on Friday, February 9.

Mr. Bedzrah explained that the decision to temporarily halt the public hearing was not influenced by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, but was rather the result of concerns raised by the Minority.

Speaking in an interview on Channel One Newsroom, he set the record straight, stating, “Let me say that the Speaker was not in the know at all. As a matter of fact, after what happened at the committee sitting, I decided to meet with the Clerk and the two leaders, including the Deputy Speakers, at the Speaker’s lobby.”

Recounting the sequence of events, Mr. Bedzrah said that upon reaching the Speaker’s lobby, he was informed that the Speaker had issued instructions regarding the hearing. Seeking clarity, he made attempts to contact the Speaker, who was out of town at the time.

“So when I got there, I was told the Speaker had given instruction, so I called the Speaker because the Speaker has travelled, and they all said that they were not able to get in touch with the Speaker on the phone,” he explained.

He further revealed, “They said they spoke to the Speaker, and the Speaker directed that we should, since they have apologised, hold on to this. And I said no, this is not the instruction I received from the Speaker.

“Everybody heard the Speaker yesterday that the Clerk should continue with its work, so I called the Speaker, and he said he has not given any instruction that we should stop.

"So in the chaos, we decided that well, we had already suspended, and the way forward is to allow the Speaker to return and give specific instruction."

Mr. Bedzrah insisted that the Minority initiated the suspension, saying, “Honestly, this whole stoppage came from the Minority side. I can tell you on authority.”

The probe follows a violent confrontation during the vetting session, which resulted in significant damage to parliamentary property, including broken microphones and overturned tables. Tensions escalated when the Majority insisted on extending the proceedings beyond 10 PM, a move vehemently opposed by the Minority.

As the situation worsened, some Minority MPs reportedly dismantled tables, leading to further destruction. Security personnel intervened to restore order, but the damage forced an abrupt adjournment of the session.

Despite the chaos, Mr. Bedzrah has assured the public that the probe will continue as planned, with the next hearing scheduled for Friday.