“I will not be tagged as an errand boy of Gov’t” – Speaker

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has reiterated he will not preside over a house that will frustrate government business.

That regardless, he will also not preside over a weak house or allow himself to be tagged as an errand boy of the Akufo-Addo led government.

The Speaker made the comment in a statement presented to Parliament on Wednesday, December 16 following his return from a two weeks trip to Dubai on medical grounds.

“Hon. Members, to conclude on these matters, let me reiterate my solemn pledge to the people of Ghana which I canvassed in my first formal communication to this House. I would not superintend over a Parliament to frustrate Government business, But, I will equally not preside over a weak House or be tagged as an errand boy of the Executive arm of government. This House is fully focused in discharging its mandate and will do so without any fear or favour, affection or ill-will in ensuring the ultimate best interests of the Ghanaian people are served”.

Adopt dialogue others – Speaker tells Parliament

Speaker, Alban Bagbin in the address admonished members of the house to strength their mode of communications, dialogue and consultation going forward in the interest of the country’s democracy..

“Let us continue to strengthen our channels of communication, foster dialogue, encourage broader stakeholder consultation and allow the processes we have adopted for our burgeoning democracy to thrive,” he said.

He made the comment when addressing the impasses which has characterized proceedings in the house since the 2022 budget statement was presented.

Among some of the issues he addressed were the behavior of members in his absence, the issue of quorum for the conduct of business and voting, walks out in Parliament and finally a call to the Minister of Finance to present amendment made in the 2022 budget statement officially to the house.

Brawls in Parliament

Ghana’s Parliament has been in the news recently not for good reasons following the presentation of the 2022 budget statement by the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta on November 17.

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.

Things however, got out of hands in the absence of the speaker.

Source: GhanaPlus.com