Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has stated that the opposition legislators are not obstructing government business in Parliament as a result of the House’s equal numbers.
Mr Iddrisu added that the minority has showed devotion to the people’s collective objectives and, most crucially, the republic’s constitution from the commencement of this parliament.
He claimed that as a result of their adherence to these democratic values, the MPs had been targeted by otherwise concerned members of their own political party on several occasions.
“Any suggestion that this minority group wants to block government business at every chance is thus without foundation,” he said in a statement.
His remark comes at a time when Speaker of Parliament Alaban Bagbin has pledged not to preside over a House that obstructs government business.
“Hon. Members, to finish on these subjects, let me restate my serious vow to the people of Ghana, which I articulated in my first official communication to this House,” Mr Bagbin stated in Parliament on Thursday, December 16.
“I would not preside over a weak House or be labeled as an errand boy for the Executive arm of government, but I would not rule over one that frustrates government work.”
“This House is entirely focused on carrying out its mandate, and it will do so without fear or favor, affection or malice, in order to serve the Ghanaian people’s ultimate best interests.”
“Let us continue to enhance our communication lines, create conversation, encourage broader stakeholder consultation, and allow our burgeoning democracy’s processes to thrive.”
Otumfou Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, had also begged Parliament not to stymie the government’s ability to enact initiatives.
The Asantehene made the comment on Sunday, December 12 in Manhyia, following a back-and-forth dispute between the Majority and Minority MPs over the 2022 budget declaration.
“It is in our best interests for our representatives in Parliament to scrutinize the national budget and urge for adjustments. Governments must constantly be humble enough to recognize and accept useful contributions from all sources.
“However, our representatives must remember that it is not their function to either set policy for the executive or to obstruct them from carrying out their legitimate duties,” he stated.
“The minority group in parliament has proved devotion to the collective aspirations of the people of this country and, most importantly, to the constitution of the republic,” Mr Iddrisu said in a statement. Because of its adherence to these democratic values, the group has been targeted by otherwise concerned members of its own political party on several occasions. As a result, anyone who claims that this minority faction wants to obstruct government business at every chance is mistaken.
“On the contrary, we have consistently proved our commitment to good administration, the 1992 constitution, and parliament’s standing orders.” An objective assessment of the group’s position on the current budget demonstrates our commitment to the national good.
“Right after the Minister of Finance delivered the government’s budget on behalf of the President, the minority group’s leadership expressed opposition to some sections of the budget and demanded a review, failing which the minority would be forced to reject the budget.” On November 26th, 2021, the minority received the requisite votes to reject the budget proposal, despite this plea for a review being ignored.
The Majority responded to this valid rejection with an irregular and illegal method ostensibly rescinding the earlier rejection, and the public watched as they desecrated democratic foundations in their customary fashion.
“An strongly partisan majority group and the 1st Deputy Speaker thwarted the minority’s efforts to correct such flagrant violations of the constitution and callous disregard for parliament’s standing orders.”
Nonetheless, the Minority group’s move forced a meeting with the finance minister, who has since made all concessions on behalf of the President except one (the Killer E-Levy). He has written to parliament, requesting that the initial budget statement be amended to reflect these concessions.
“The minority’s efforts to address such flagrant violations of the constitution and callous disdain for parliament’s standing orders were foiled by a partisan majority party and the 1st Deputy Speaker.”
Nonetheless, the Minority group’s action compelled a meeting with the finance minister, who has since made all concessions on the President’s behalf but one (the Killer E-Levy). He has written to the House of Commons, demanding that the original budget statement be revised to reflect these compromises.
The Minority is dedicated to finding legal and democratic ways to persuade the administration to repeal this insensitive, rude, and regressive tax. Nothing could be more Ghanaian and progressive at this point than a demand that the government take into account the economic hardships of the average Ghanaian while implementing taxes. We will continue to hold the government accountable, always acting in the best interests of the country. “Thank you very much.”
