We will do everything in our power to stop First Deputy Speaker from voting

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Evalue Adjomoro Gwira Constituency, Mr Kofi Arko Nokoe is saddened that the Judiciary of the country has been politically influenced.

Speaking on the Jolly Breakfast Show (JBS) on Friday, March 11, the MP said he is sad that the Supreme Court has taken sides in state affairs and have neglected the plight of the common Ghanaians.

This comes after a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Jones Dotse, Wednesday affirmed as constitutional the action by Mr Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, to support the approval of the 2022 Budget without the NDC MPs’ participation.

The apex court declared that a Deputy Speaker of Parliament, or any other member of the Legislature presiding over business of the House, did not lose his or her right to vote, and formed part of the quorum for decision making in the House.

He further said, “It is sad the supreme court and the Judiciary is taking sides because of E-levy…I feel so sad and sorry about this.”

“How can a referee officiating a match be allowed to play?….the First Deputy Speaker is not allowed to debate during the parliamentary sessions so why then must he be allowed to vote or make decisions for the house.”

According to Mr Nokoe, the Supreme Court can give their ruling but the Minority Members in Parliament will do everything to ensure that the First Deputy Speaker does not participate in voting when it comes to the E-levy.