In a paradigmatic display of parliamentary procedure, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, has rejected a private member’s motion proffered by the minority caucus, which sought to interrogate the precipitous revocation of appointments of individuals inducted into public service subsequent to December 7, 2024.
The motion, championed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in tandem with Okaikwei Central MP Patrick Boamah and Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, aimed to precipitate a parliamentary inquiry into the matter, adducing discrepancies with optimal governance practices and the sacrosanct rights of citizens.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga raised a salient objection to the motion, highlighting the fact that judicial proceedings had already been initiated against the termination of appointments.
Ahiafor upheld the objection, ruling that debating the motion could potentially lead to prejudicial comments that might compromise the integrity of the judicial process.
In his erudite remarks, Ahiafor stated,” There was a preliminary objection and the attention of the House has been drawn to a lawsuit pending before the Supreme Court as mentioned above. This action is challenging the constitutionality of the action of the Chief of Staff seeking a declaration and prohibition among others directed at the heads of government institutions to refrain from proceeding with the directive of the Chief of Staff.”
Ahiafor emphasized, “Honourable members, I have perused the writs and nine reliefs were sought. Honourable members, given our constitutional and procedural arrangement, permitting the motion and subsequent debates on the matter in question or constituting or mandating a committee of this house to do an enquiry into this matter will be a direct violation of our own standing order, particularly Standing Order 103, f.”
This decision effectively precludes further parliamentary debate on the matter, pending the outcome of the Supreme Court lawsuit, thereby ensuring that the legislative and judicial arms of government remain synchronized in their respective roles.
By Phalonzy