Parliament Standoff: NPP Majority Caucus defies Speaker, demands Parliament Recall
Mampong, Ashanti Region, Ghana - Nov 9, 2024 - The Majority caucus in Ghana's Parliament has rejected demands from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus for an apology to Speaker Alban Bagbin.
The controversy surrounds comments made by New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin after Parliament's indefinite adjournment on Thursday.
Deputy Majority Leader Patricia Appiagyei insists that the NPP caucus has done nothing wrong and therefore will not apologize. Speaking at St. Monica's Senior High School's 78th anniversary celebration in Mampong, Ashanti Region, Appiagyei reaffirmed the Majority's intention to initiate another recall to address critical government business.
Appiagyei emphasized that Speaker Bagbin should publicly clarify his stance on the majority controversy, distinguishing between personal opinions and formal rulings. She noted that the Speaker's recent statements have caused confusion, and it's essential for him to provide clarity.
“It is up to them, they have been voted to ensure that government business goes on so they had to do the right thing because the speaker is clearly saying he didn’t give a ruling, he only expressed an opinion so you can’t take the law unto yourself.”
“…I think the speaker has the right as the head of the legislative arm to come into this issue and make a declaration. I don’t understand why he is hiding from that fact. He needs to.”
“…Why do they want an apology when they know the parliamentary procedure? You know that before we sit we always go and decide what to do,” she stated.
Source: Lead News Online
