Wednesday, 12 November

Majority Leader pushes for Minority Leader’s referral to Privileges Committee

Politics
Majority Leader and Minority Leader

A significant procedural dispute has arisen in Parliament, with the Majority Leader, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, formally requesting the Speaker to refer the Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the Privileges Committee.

The move follows an alleged refusal by the Minority Leader to vacate his position in the ECOWAS Parliament, despite a resolution passed by the House removing him from Ghana’s delegation.

In a motion presented to the Speaker on Tuesday, Mr Ayariga cited what he described as a clear defiance of the parliamentary decision, arguing that such action undermines the authority of the House and constitutes a breach of parliamentary privilege.

“The House duly passed a resolution recalling Mr Afenyo-Markin from the ECOWAS Parliament.

His continued presence in that capacity is not only improper but also disrespectful to the collective decision of this August House,” Mr. Ayariga stated.

The Speaker has yet to rule on the request, which, if upheld, could lead to an inquiry by the Privileges Committee to determine whether the Minority Leader should face sanctions.

Political observers note that the development underscores rising tensions between the two sides of the aisle and may test the bounds of parliamentary discipline and inter-institutional diplomacy.

The Minority Caucus is expected to issue a formal response in the coming hours.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Cecil Mensah