The Speaker of

"It would be very dignifying if members of this honourable house will not undermine the work being done by public comments. In fact, that will amount to contempt of a high-powered parliamentary special committee,” Prof Oquaye said on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, on the floor of the House.

READ ALSO: Joe Ghartey chairs parliamentary committee to probe bribery allegations

Prof Mike Ocquaye on Tuesday constituted a five-member committee to investigate the corruption allegation made by some members of the minority in parliament.

The committee will be chaired by former attorney general and MP for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey, and has 30 days within which to present its report.

The four other members are MPs Ben Abdallah Banda (Offinso South), Ama Pomaah Boateng (Juabeng), Magnus Kofi Amoateng (Yilo Krobo) and Benson Tongo Baba (Talensi).

Mahama Ayariga last Friday said on Accra-based Radio Gold that the Energy Minister Agyarko sent money to the minority side in an attempt to influence their decision on his approval after he was vetted for the position.

The NDC Member of Parliament said they (the minority) received the money thinking it was sitting allowance for being part of the Appointments Committee only to be told it was coming from the minister designate.

READ ALSO: Boakye Agyarko considers legal action against Mahama Ayariga

He said they rejected the money and asked that the money be returned to him.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joseph Osei-Owusu has pleaded with the Speaker to allow him sue Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga for tarnishing his image.

He said claims by Ayariga that the 26-member Committee was offered GHC100,000 by a ministerial nominee to approve him is a "colossal untruth."