We are only upholding the ruling of the Supreme Court and not sabotaging gov’t business – Akandoh

The Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, says the Minority in Parliament is only upholding by the ruling of the Supreme Court which has clearly spelt out the numbers for quorum before decision making in the Chamber.

Accoridng to him, contrary to claims that they’re sabotaging the government’s business by raising issues of quorum, the reverse is the case as they are only abiding by the dictates of the order given by the apex court.

The highest court of the land in a landmark case presided over by Justice Jones Dotse, ruled that a Deputy Speaker of Parliament does not lose his right casting and voting right anytime that fellow presides over proceedings in the absence of the Speaker.

The court in its ruling, referenced Article 104 (1) of the 1992 Constitution and added that the house must necessarily form a quorum any time there is a motion before it for consideration.

This ruling, some say has emboldened the Minority which on three separate occasions, last week, blocked the approval of some financial agreements.

Government business last week was virtually brought to a halt by the minority which raised issues of quorum leading to the premature adjournment of the House.

The action of the NDC MPs has drawn sharp criticism from a section of the populace including the Majority who have accused them of obstructing governmnet business.

But Mr Mintah Akandoh who is also the Ranking Member of the Health Committee explains they do not want to incur the wrath of the Supreme Court and will ensure the right thing is done.

“We are not opposing the policy; we are saying that Supreme Court is saying this so we don’t want to go back there for the Supreme Court to let us look stupid. Let’s do what they think is right.”

Speaking in an interview with Ghanaweb, he also added that if there is anybody to be blamed in these circumstances, it should be the majority as they have failed to marshall their numbers to form a quorum for business in parliament.

“Nobody should see our actions as sabotaging government or having a negative impact. Whether or not it will have a negative impact, will depend on them (Majority). It is not in our control. When they decide to organize their people and even form the quorum and we are there, we are not going to oppose it. It is only when we are opposing that you can ask why we are sabotaging the government’s business. We are saying that looking at the posture of the Suprema Court now, we must be very careful,” he said.

Source: thenewsroomonline.com