The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticised Speaker Alban Bagbin for suspending three of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs.
The suspension, which also affected one MP from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), followed last Thursday’s chaotic incident leading to the destruction of some state properties during the ministerial vetting.
The suspended MPs are Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi), Frank Annor-Dompreh (Nsawam-Adoagyiri), Alhassan Tampuli (Gushegu), and Jerry Ahmed Shiab (Weija-Gbawe).
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at Parliament House, Afenyo-Markin stated that the Minority Caucus was uncertain about how to handle the Speaker’s directive, arguing that Bagbin had exceeded his authority.
“After listening to the Speaker’s communication and analysing every word and every phrase, we have come to the conclusion that the Speaker grossly exceeded his jurisdiction and mandate,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin cited Standing Orders 129 and 130 to support his argument, stating that in cases involving contempt or breach of privilege, a committee must be set up to investigate the matter before any disciplinary action is taken.
He further contended that the Chair of the Appointments Committee is empowered to handle such incidents, but had not formally reported the issue to the Speaker, raising questions about the basis of the suspension.
The Minority Leader also revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership had been informed of the ruling and had taken the matter seriously.
“We have also escalated the matter to our party level. NPP minority is the wing of the NPP so we have also communicated this matter to party headquarters, the national chairman and the general secretary have become aware of this and they do not take it lightly at all and they believe that the diplomatic channels must be utilized,” he stated.