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A former Deputy Minister for Defence, Major RTD. Derek Oduro has advised members of Parliament (MPs) to stop dragging issues in the House.
He was of the belief that although the MPs may not agree on most issues, there has to be consensus building at all times considering their thin numbers.
The Former Minister’s advice come after parliament was involved in another scuffle during the election of the E-Levy.
The MPs engaged in another physical confrontation on Monday night, December 20th, 2021 during a debate on the controversial E-Levy.
The incident occurred just when the MPs were about to cast their vote on the matter.
The Speaker, Alban Bagbin was not in the House when the incident occurred.
Some MPs were captured punching their colleagues at will as the debate got out of hand.
The Finance Committee of Parliament had given the green light for the 1.75% E-Levy to be discussed on the floor of the House following a majority decision at the Committee level.
A similar incident occurred in parliament on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 after First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Wusu ruled in favour of the NPP following Minority’s motion to set aside Tuesday’s 2022 budget approval.
Speaking on Atinka TV‘s morning show, Ghana Nie with Ekourba Gyasi Simpremu, Major RTD. Derek Oduro urged the MPs to ‘agree to disagree’ when deliberating on serious issues concerning the country and especially in the house.
He said it should not be that one issue is dragged till it becomes a problem, adding that when it happens like that, then it results in a fight.
Meanwhile, Major RTD. Derek Oduro said the image of Parliament had been dented because the people who voted for the parliamentarians have regretted.
“People were thinking that it will be a blessing that Majority and Minority had almost the same number, they were thinking there would be very good debates but what is happening is different. You have to listen to the voice of reason, if what someone is saying is good, accept it, if it is not good then you indicate it and then you ‘agree to disagree and build consensus. Consensus building is critical to parliamentary work becomes a fight,” he said.
Read Also: Video: MPs trade blows over e-levy
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
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