“I with all humility apologize on behalf of the House”: Bagbin tells Ghanaians

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has apologies to Ghanaians over the series of brawls which occurred in Parliament in his absence.

In a formal Statement made by the speaker on the rejection or rescission of the 2022 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government sighted by GhanaPlus.com he said “I with all humility apologize on behalf of the House and all the members, for the aberrations of conduct and behavior of members on those days”.

Mr Bagbin described the action of the house as rancorous and unruly adding the house is neither dignified or exalted by the behavior.

He pledged to do all he can to correct the development.

“I also thank Hon Members for holding the fort in my absence, despite the fact that the conduct of some Members raises fundamental issues bordering on a complete disregard of parliamentary practice, procedure and process of the House. I have taken my time to read the Order Paper, Votes and Proceedings and the Official Reports of the days in issue. And I am convinced we should accept the view of the conscience of the nation that we owe Ghanaians an apology and I will proceed to do just that”.

“As the Head of Parliament, the voice of the Legislature, who speaks for and on behalf of Parliament, hence the title Speaker, I, with all humility apologize on behalf of the House and all the members, for the aberrations of conduct and behavior of members on those days. I take responsibility for what happens in the House and I admit the House is neither dignified nor exalted by those rancorous and unruly behavior of members. I promise to do everything within my power and authority to lead the House to chart a path of transformation, decency and change, a change for the better,” Mr Bagbin said. 

“The conduct of members on those days also touches on the legality of the decisions arrived at in the House and how we arrived at those decisions. It will help for members to look at these issues dispassionately, in humility, devoid of egos and partisanship. As a House of honor, dignity and measureless might and majesty, members of Parliament should, for a while, allow the 1992 Constitution, the enabling laws, precedents and the Standing Orders of the House to lead the way,” he said in the statement.

Scuffle in Parliament over 2022 budget and in Bagbin’s absence

 Ghana’s Parliament have been thrown into chaos since November 17, when the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori- Atta presented the 2022 budget statement.

The development arose from among other things the introduction of a proposed electronic transaction levy which was contain in the budget.

The E-levy is seeking to impose a 1.75% tax on all mobile money transactions above ₵100, applicable to senders only, a proposal which the Minority have vehemently opposed.

The brawls however, witnessed another level in the absence of the speaker, one of which led to the snatching of his chair in the house.

Source: GhanaPlus.com