The Majority Leader of Parliament Alexander Afenyo-Markin has launched a scathing attack on the Speaker of Parliament and the NDC Minority group, accusing them of undermining parliamentary democracy and creating chaos.
According to the Efutu MP, the Speaker’s recent actions, along with the NDC’s tactics, are designed to frustrate government business and sway public perception ahead of the 2024 elections.
During a press briefing in parliament in response to decreartion of 4 parliamentry seats vacant by the Speaker, the Majority Leader expressed deep frustration with the Speaker’s conduct, claiming that he has abandoned his role as a neutral arbiter and is now doing the bidding of the NDC.
“The Speaker is no longer seen as a father to all in Parliament. He is clearly angling for the approval of his party, the NDC, to secure a second term as Speaker after the 2024 elections,” he said.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin recounted an incident involving Article 97 of the 1992 Constitution, triggered by statements from the former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu.
The issue revolves around MPs who have filed to contest the 2024 elections on different party tickets, potentially causing them to lose their parliamentary seats.
In response, the Effutu MP who double as the majority leader sought legal clarity by filing a case in the Supreme Court and notifying the Speaker of Parliament.
Despite assurances from the Speaker that due process would be followed, the Majority Leader said he was shocked when, during a parliamentary session, the Minority Leader invoked the Speaker’s powers under Order 93.
This allowed him to make a statement of “urgent national importance,” leading to the Speaker declaring certain seats vacant, an action that the Majority Leader decried as unconstitutional.
“The Speaker cannot assume the role of interpreting the Constitution. His declaration of vacant seats took us by surprise and is completely unacceptable,” the Majority Leader added, noting that the Majority Caucus has since boycotted parliamentary sittings in protest.
In addition to boycotting, the Majority Leader emphasized that they will vigorously pursue the matter in court, trusting in the judicial system to resolve the dispute. “If the courts determine that Article 97 should lead to MPs losing their seats for contesting on different tickets, we will respect that ruling. But until then, we will not participate in the chaos created by the Speaker,” he said.
The Majority Leader also criticized the NDC’s approach to governance, accusing the party of deliberately fostering chaos to gain political advantage. He pointed to the current impasse over the approval of Supreme Court judges, accusing the NDC of stalling the process to obstruct government operations.
“The NDC doesn’t believe in democracy; they believe in chaos. Their actions in Parliament show that if they regain numbers, they will only seek to frustrate government business,” the Majority Leader said, adding that the NDC’s opposition to key initiatives, such as the One District, One Factory policy, further demonstrates their unwillingness to prioritize the nation’s development.
As the political temperature rises ahead of the 2024 elections, the Majority Leader urged members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to stay united and focused on securing victory. “We must ensure an overwhelming majority for the NPP so that we can govern peacefully and deliver on our promises to the people of Ghana,” he concluded.
The Majority Caucus remains committed to resolving the current impasse legally, but the stakes in Parliament are high as both parties gear up for the crucial 2024 elections.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
