In a dramatic twist, it has emerged that the Hansard intercepted by Honorable Alexander Afenyo-Markin and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus in Parliament was not an official document but merely a photocopy of the Draft Hansard from the October 17, 2024, proceedings. This revelation has raised serious concerns about parliamentary protocols and the safeguarding of official documents.
The Supreme Court is believed to have relied on this Draft Hansard in its recent ruling against a directive issued by Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin. The use of an unapproved Draft Hansard in a legal ruling has stirred controversy, as such documents are not usually recognized until they are formally finalized.
Parliament’s Senior Executive Officer, Thomas Bosompem, has been summoned by the Editor of Debates in Charge of Chamber Reporting to explain how the draft document leaked under his supervision and why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
A memo obtained by GhanaNewsOnline.com.gh indicates that Bosompem has until the end of Wednesday, October 23, 2024, to provide his account of how the draft was circulated before being officially approved.
This unfolding drama has sparked widespread interest in the political arena, with many eagerly awaiting further developments as Bosompem faces questioning. With the integrity of parliamentary documents in the spotlight, tomorrow’s proceedings are expected to clarify both the breach and the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Speaker Bagbin’s directive.
By Jeorge Wilson Kingson || ghananewsonline.com.gh
By Jeorge Wilson Kingson || ghananewsonline.com.gh