Minority MPs protest suspension of their colleagues in black and red

Minority Members of Parliament donned black attires with red armbands on Tuesday, February 4, to protest the suspension of four MPs—three from their side and one from the majority side.

The NPP MPs reported to Parliament with the unusual attire to participate in the fourth sitting of the House for business.

Some MPs explained to JoyNews’ parliamentary correspondent, Kwaku Asante, that their attire was a symbolic gesture of discontent following the suspension of their colleagues by the Speaker, Alban Bagbin.

The suspended MPs are: the two Chief Whips, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor and Frank Annoh-Dompreh, as well as Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli and Jerry Ahmed Shaib.

The action was taken following their roles in the chaotic scenes recorded at one of the sittings of the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

The Speaker went ahead to set up an investigative committee to probe the incident for the necessary action to be taken against those found culpable including surcharging them for the destruction of tables and microphones.

But the minority side insists the Speaker acted arbitrarily and outside of the Standing Orders of Parliament. They are demanding that the Speaker rescinds the decision, gives the affected MPs a fair hearing and allows the investigative process to continue.

On Tuesday, Parliament tightened security in the chamber in a bid to prevent the suspended MPs from gaining access.

Source: myjoyonline.com