Recall suspended MPs and dissolve ad-hoc committee – Afenyo-Markin tells Speaker

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Speaker of the House, Alban Bagbin, to reverse certain decisions he made following the chaotic incident during last week’s sitting of the Appointments Committee.

According to the minority leader, his request for the Speaker to reconsider his directives is aimed at restoring procedural integrity and upholding the constitutional principles of fairness and justice.

In a memorandum sent to the Speaker on Monday, February 3, Afenyo-Markin specifically asked Mr Bagbin to reverse the decisions made in the aftermath of the disruption.

“The suspension of the four MPs be reversed immediately, as it lacks the required procedural and legal foundation. The ad-hoc Committee constituted under Orders 5 and 20(4) be dissolved immediately.”

He also asked that “The Committee on Privileges and Immunities be urgently constituted in accordance with the Standing Orders and the matter be referred to this Committee for a full and proper investigation and subsequent action and Parliament formally reaffirms its commitment to procedural fairness to avoid setting a precedent that undermines due process”.

Afenyo-Markin’s appeal comes amid the ongoing tensions in Parliament. He also alleged that the suspension of the four MPs, three of whom are from the minority, is an attempt to oppress them.

Furthermore, he called on the Speaker to agree to a meeting between the two caucuses to address the issue.

“I humbly request a formal meeting with you at your earliest convenience, preferably before Tuesday, 4th February 2025, to discuss these grave concerns, explore remedial actions, and chart a dignified path forward”.

Source: myjoyonline.com