The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called on the Majority Caucus in Parliament to stop displaying placards bearing the image of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during parliamentary proceedings.
Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday March 4, Mr. Afenyo-Markin expressed concern over the actions of some Majority Members of Parliament who held up placards portraying Mr. Ofori-Atta during the State of the Nation Address.
He said the move has generated strong objections from the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party and the former minister’s family.
According to the Minority Leader, political disagreements should not result in actions that damage the reputation of individuals who have not been found guilty by any court of law. He warned that allowing such conduct to continue could create an unhealthy precedent in Parliament.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin appealed to the Majority Chief Whip and leadership to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again in order to preserve decorum and peace in the House.
He noted that the family of Mr. Ofori-Atta had expressed deep concern over the incident, stressing that the former minister deserves fairness and respect despite political differences.
The Minority Leader added that while Parliament remains a space for political debate, personal attacks and public ridicule should be avoided to protect the dignity of members and maintain mutual respect within the chamber.
“No court has found him guilty. We can do our politics but to also print his pictures deliberately and that day the whole world’s attention was on this chamber. I would plead through my friend the Chief Whip to ensure that in future any such action is curtailed, controlled or stopped by him so that this house would get the needed peace because, Mr. Speaker, if we don’t stop it, a certain precedent will be set.”
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