Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has cautioned the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority against abusing its numerical advantage in Parliament to intimidate opposition lawmakers and suppress dissenting views.
He has urged the Majority to draw lessons from the outcome of the United States midterm elections, arguing that numerical dominance in Parliament should not be used as a licence to impose decisions, silence opposing voices or undermine the constitutional role of the Minority.
Mr Afenyo-Markin made the remarks during a press briefing following the controversy surrounding the removal of the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, from the parliamentary chamber after an exchange with Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.
The Minority Leader described the Speaker’s handling of the incident as disproportionate, maintaining that the action raised concerns about fairness, parliamentary discipline and the rights of elected representatives to participate in proceedings.
According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, Mr Jinapor had sought clarification from the Speaker and subsequently complied with the directive to withdraw his earlier remarks.
He said the Damongo MP expressly stated, “Mr Speaker, I withdraw,” and repeated the withdrawal in an apparent effort to resolve the disagreement and restore order in the chamber.
However, the Minority Leader said the Speaker maintained the directive for Mr Jinapor to leave the chamber despite his compliance.
The Minority considers the decision excessive, arguing that the MP’s withdrawal should have been acknowledged rather than followed by further disciplinary action.
“We, the Minority, consider that response disproportionate and, in its effect, an act of parliamentary bullying,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.
He acknowledged the Speaker’s responsibility to maintain order and ensure that allegations made during parliamentary proceedings are substantiated. However, he stressed that the exercise of such authority must be guided by fairness and restraint.
“We recognise the Speaker’s responsibility to maintain order and require allegations to be substantiated, but authority commands its greatest respect when exercised with restraint,” he stated.
The Minority Leader also used the briefing to raise concerns about alleged irregularities in the acquisition of diplomatic and service passports through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Caucus had supporting material which, in its assessment, raised serious concerns about possible false representations and impersonation in the procurement of the travel documents.
He further alleged that the practice might extend beyond isolated cases, suggesting the existence of a wider illicit trade involving diplomatic and service passports.
He indicated that the Minority’s Foreign Affairs Caucus would present the evidence available to it to support the allegations and demand further scrutiny of the matter.
The concerns, according to the Minority, raise questions about the integrity of Ghana’s passport issuance procedures and the effectiveness of safeguards intended to prevent the misuse of official travel documents.
Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned how Parliament could effectively perform its oversight responsibilities if lawmakers raising matters of public interest were subjected to treatment that could discourage further scrutiny.
“But where should these questions be raised if Parliament becomes inhospitable to them?” he asked.
He emphasised that diplomatic passports are official national documents that carry Ghana’s authority and international reputation, arguing that credible indications of fraud in their acquisition should not be taken lightly.
The Minority maintained that any evidence of false representations, impersonation or other fraudulent conduct in securing diplomatic and service passports warrants serious investigation.
It warned that failure to address such concerns could undermine public confidence in the country’s passport administration system and potentially damage Ghana’s international standing.
The Minority Leader’s comments have brought renewed attention to the relationship between the two parliamentary caucuses and the importance of protecting Parliament’s oversight and accountability functions.
Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that although the Majority has the numbers to advance its legislative agenda and influence parliamentary decisions, its numerical advantage must not be used to marginalise the opposition or prevent lawmakers from holding the government accountable.
He argued that parliamentary discipline must be applied consistently and proportionately, with due consideration for the circumstances surrounding alleged misconduct and the conduct of the lawmakers involved.
His reference to the United States midterm elections served as a warning against complacency and the assumption that numerical strength automatically guarantees enduring political advantage.
The Minority Leader urged the governing side to recognise that democratic governance requires respect for opposing views, institutional accountability and the constitutional responsibilities of opposition parties.
He further stressed that Parliament must remain an environment where lawmakers can raise concerns about alleged wrongdoing, question government policies and demand explanations on matters of national interest without intimidation.
The Minority’s Foreign Affairs Caucus is expected to provide further details and supporting evidence concerning the alleged irregularities in the acquisition of diplomatic and service passports.
The Minority’s position is that parliamentary authority must be exercised responsibly and that the numerical advantage enjoyed by the governing side should not undermine the principles of democratic representation, accountability and parliamentary scrutiny.
By 1960news.com
