Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has stepped in to address a dispute between Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and the acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission, Emefa Hardcastle, following an incident of alleged verbal abuse.
The intervention follows a formal request by Annoh-Dompreh for Hardcastle to be referred to the Privileges Committee after she allegedly insulted him during the vetting of Defence Minister-designate Dr. Edward Omane Boamah at the Appointments Committee.
Annoh-Dompreh described the use of the word “silly” against him as not just an affront to him personally but to the entire Legislature.
The incident sparked mixed reactions among MPs. Some members of the Majority, including Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Education and Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu, Builsa North MP James Agalga, and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, acknowledged Hardcastle’s inappropriate remarks but urged Annoh-Dompreh to drop the matter.
They suggested that the Speaker extract another apology from Hardcastle to resolve the issue amicably.
However, Minority MPs insisted that the matter be referred to the Privileges Committee. Deputy Minority Chief Whip and Weija-Gbawe MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib, who witnessed the incident, argued that the abuse extended beyond the use of the word “silly” and warranted further action.
In response, Speaker Alban Bagbin announced that both Annoh-Dompreh and Hardcastle would be invited to his chambers for discussions before a final decision is made.
He further stated that his ruling on the matter would be presented before Parliament on Friday.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the overall conduct of the Appointments Committee, Bagbin criticized the disregard for parliamentary rules of engagement.
He urged the public to respect MPs and the Legislature while also calling on lawmakers to uphold decorum to earn public trust and respect.
The outcome of the Speaker’s intervention is expected to be closely watched as Parliament continues its deliberations.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
