Anane’s Vetting Uneventful

The much awaited vetting of former Roads Transport Minister, Dr. Richard Anane came off on Tuesday morning, February 26, 2008 without much drama. The vetting was looked forward to with so much expectation because of the conundrum surrounding Dr. Anane and the warning by the Minority Leader in Parliament, Alban Sumani Bagbin that he should be well prepared to answer difficult questions when he appeared before the Committee. Dr. Anane resigned on October 1, 2006 when a newspaper, The Enquirers allegations of conflict of interest, abuse of office and corruption against him were investigated by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ). Questions that were asked ranged from particular length, quality and cost of roads to payments that were made to contractors. Questions were also asked about the investigation by the CHRAJ. The first question was asked by Mr. E. T. Mensah, NDC MP for Ningo-Prampram and he wanted to know how the Road Transportation Ministry would resolve the problem of exit and entry points at the Accra-Tema Motorway. Dr. Anane coolly parried some questions claiming he does not have the expertise to answer them. When it was the turn of Twumasi Appiah, NDC MP for Sene, he asked Dr. Anane why he resigned because the latter kept referring to why he resigned as he answered questions. He responded by saying lots of things went about him in the country and the CHRAJ had investigated him and came out with verdicts he described as ‘had no legs to stand on’ and so he sought permission from the President to leave office so he could challenge the CHRAJ's verdict in court. Dr. Anane emphasised on the rule of law and encouraged his colleagues in Parliament to permit the rule of law to take its course whenever the need arose. Mad. Julie Azumah, NDC MP Ho East and Adaklu-Anyigble asked Dr. Anane if he still remits Ms Alexandra O’Brien for the upkeep of his son, the result of his relationship with the woman that became the subject of his being investigated by the CHRAJ and his subsequent resignation. Dr. Anane refused to answer the question, saying he would want to keep his family issues which he considers his personal problems with some privacy. But Chairman of the Vetting Committee, Mr. Freddy Blay insisted that he answered the question. Dr. Anane who is still living in his ministerial residence even though he had resigned as a minister for more than a year, told the Committee in answering a question over his accommodation that, as an MP, he is entitled to accommodation by the House, and since the House has not done so yet, he was still living where he had always been, referring to the ministerial residence. The Committee's report is expected soon, and the it will be known what members have decided.