Parliamentary Impasse: Ablakwa defends Speaker Bagbin, condemns NPP's 'childish' conduct

Accra, Ghana - Nov 8, 2024 - The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has condemned Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin's remarks labeling Speaker Alban Bagbin "superintendent of chaos".

Ablakwa defended Bagbin's decision to adjourn parliamentary proceedings indefinitely, citing the absence of the responsible committee and lack of order papers.

Ablakwa's Rebuttal

Ablakwa questioned Afenyo-Markin's logic, saying, "Was it the Speaker who asked you [NPP MPs] not to show up?" He emphasized that Bagbin followed constitutional protocol, convening Parliament after receiving notice with NPP signatures, and waited over an hour for their attendance.

“Afenyo-Markin used very caustic language on the Speaker, virtually labeling us warlords and suggesting that the Speaker was superintending chaos. But was it the Speaker who asked you [NPP MPs] not to show up?” Ablakwa remarked.

“The Speaker followed Constitutional protocol, convening Parliament upon receiving the notice with your signatures to trigger the recall. He waited for you for more than an hour, yet you didn’t show up. Afenyo-Markin should be apologizing to the Speaker, not berating him.”

Criticism of NPP Caucus

Ablakwa denounced the NPP caucus' actions as "childish" and likened their conduct to a "Tom and Jerry game" undermining Parliament's integrity. He highlighted significant costs incurred due to repeated recalls, particularly during renovations, forcing Parliament to rent private facilities.

“In the midst of our national crisis, this back-and-forth, these ‘Tom and Jerry games,’ and childish theatrics will do nothing to help. You don’t come to the chamber, then you wait on the sidelines to pounce on us and hold press conferences once we leave.”

Challenges Faced by MPs

Ablakwa expressed frustration over colleagues navigating through Togo to attend sessions amid the Bawku conflict, only to be stood up by NPP MPs. Kennedy Agyapong received praise for acknowledging his caucus' mistake and suggesting they should have informed Bagbin about their caucus meeting.

“Some of our colleagues have to navigate through Togo to come to parliament due to the nature of the Bawku conflict just to be present at the recall and also put everything aside to respond to submit. Only for us to show up and our colleagues from the side refused to show up to waste our time.”

Source: Lead News Online