Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak has forcefully resisted speaker’s ruling on referring some three members of Parliament to the Privileges Committee for absenting themselves from the House for fifteen sitting days without permission.
Former Kumbungu lawmaker, Ras Mubarak petitioned the Speaker to discipline these lawmakers for absenting themselves from Parliament without permission.
In his petition, he said “It has come to my notice through parliament’s Hansard, and newspaper and radio reports that some four Members of Parliament, namely Hon. Sarah Adwoa Safo, MP for Dome-Kwabenya; Hon. Henry Quartey, MP for Ayawaso Central; Hon. Ebenezer Kojo Kum, MP for Ahanta West; and Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin Central have all absented themselves from Parliament for more
than fifteen sittings of a meeting of Parliament without the permission of Mr. Speaker in writing.
“In view of this reported breach of the constitutional provision, I respectfully petition your high office to direct for their conduct to be referred to the Privileges Committee for consideration and necessary action.”
In response, the Speaker referred Adwoa Safo, Kennedy Agyapong and Henry Quartey to the Privileges Committee as stated by Ras Mubarak.
In the speaker’s ruling, he quoted article 75 (2) of the the Constitution detailing absenteeism of Members of Parliament.
When the issue was raised in Parliament, Muntaka Mubarak challenged the Speaker on his ruling on the issue, saying if they allow it, it will become a precedent in parliament, adding that it may go against all of them (MPs) in future.
This resulted in a banter between members and speaker :
Video below:
In other news: ADA: Tidal waves render inhabitants homeless
Over a thousand (1000) residents of Akplabanya and Anyamam in the West Ada District of the Greater Accra Region have been rendered homeless following torrential tidal waves that hit the Eastern coastal lines last Saturday.
Ferocious sea currents occasioned by high tides broke into homes destroying properties and displacing residents.
Women and children in particular could not find places to sleep over the weekend and were left at mercy of the weather.
Even though a few are using schools and church premises as shelters at the Anyamam Area Council, majority of the affected are reluctant to relocate in an anticipation of the tides receding.
Some affected persons mostly women while salvaging some belongings, have called on the government to find permanent solutions to the annual ritual instead of distributing food items, blankets and other items to them during such situations.
Atinkanews is however monitoring the situation and will bring viewers and readers up to speed on latest developments.
Read Also: Akufo Addo assents to E-Levy Bill
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com