Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, MP for Wa Central, has defended Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin following criticism from Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, who accused the Speaker of fostering chaos in Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin voiced concerns on November 7, arguing that Bagbin’s handling of recent parliamentary adjournments undermines Ghana’s democratic integrity.
The controversy arose after Speaker Bagbin adjourned a parliamentary session due to a lack of business attributed to the absence of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members.
Afenyo-Markin clarified that the NPP’s absence was a result of procedural disagreements rather than irresponsibility.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, Dr. Pelpuo called on Afenyo-Markin to retract his statements, asserting that Bagbin has responsibly fulfilled his duties as Speaker. Pelpuo emphasized the importance of establishing a proper platform within Parliament to address procedural and legal concerns, particularly in light of recent Supreme Court rulings affecting parliamentary proceedings.
“You (Afenyo-Markin) are accusing the speaker of being chaotic or for presiding over chaos. He should withdraw that…Before the speaker can say anything we have to set a certain forum for him to be able to do that.
“What is wrong if you even come and sit in the minority place and then bring up the issue of the Supreme Court ruling and ask the speaker to do the ruling so that they can change and the speaker refuses?
“You cite him for contempt, you cite him for presiding over chaos. You have done nothing like that you go out you are standing behind the scenes and then you are accusing somebody who has done nothing wrong. So far the speaker has done nothing wrong. He is just doing his job as the speaker,” he stated.
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