Audio By Carbonatix
Majority Leader, Alban Babgin has described as “awkward” the Minority’s decision Monday to abstain from activities of the House until the Privileges Committee rule on allegations of bribery made against them.
Members of the Minority Monday walked out of parliament and swore not to partake in any activity in the House after MP for Sene, Twumasi Appiah, accused them of selling their votes before approving the controversial 70 per cent sale of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone UK last year.
A member of the Minority, PC Appiah-Ofori in an interview with the Enquirer Newspaper and later Joy FM, had accused the minority, who were then in the majority of collecting an amount of $5,000 each for approving the sale and purchase agreement.
The allegation has been forwarded to the Privileges Committee of Parliament by the Speaker, Mrs Joyce Bamford Addo, but some members of the Minority have vowed to take legal action to clear their name.
In the midst of the controversy, the Majority Leader told Joy News' Sammy Darko the Minority are hiding behind this accusation to sabotage government’s activities.
The House prior to the walkout of the Minority was debating a $300 million loan agreement from the World Bank and had to defer proceedings.
Hon Bagbin said the majority and its allies can raise the numbers to vote on the loan agreement but stressed such a decision will take away the value attached to the agreement.
He said in the true spirit and interest of Parliamentary democracy, the input of the Minority should be incorporated in the approval.
But the Minority Chief Whip, Frederick Opare Ansah said the decision to abstain from activities in the House was not to sabotage government activities but to clear the image of Parliament, which he said, had been tarnished.
“If we are accused of selling our vote, we cannot vote until the matter is settled,” he pointed out.
“Parliament is perceived by the public as an institution where people sell their votes, “he said, insisting, “we will abstain until the matter is determined.”
Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
‘I couldn’t stay silent’ – Nicki Minaj speaks out on attacks on Christians in Nigeria
2 hours -
Liverpool striker Isak suffers broken leg
2 hours -
CRC proposes new petition-led process for removal of Chief Justice
2 hours -
Foreign Minister Ablakwa takes Nana Agyei Ahyia case to Latvia, vows full accountability
2 hours -
AFCON 2025: Salah seals late win for Egypt over Zimbabwe
3 hours -
Carney names ex-Blackrock executive as new US ambassador
3 hours -
CRC proposes 10-year single term and new removal process for Chief Justice
3 hours -
Salah scores late winner as Egypt come from behind to beat Zimbabwe
3 hours -
France rushes emergency budget law to avert shutdown after talks collapse
3 hours -
US conducting surveillance flights over Nigeria after Trump intervention threat
4 hours -
Ecuador soldiers sentenced to decades in prison over disappearance of murdered boys
4 hours -
Trump pulls 30 envoys in ‘America First’ push, critics say it weakens US abroad
4 hours -
The 17-hour miracle: Black Sherif beats logistical marathon to pull off historic Zaama Disco 2025
4 hours -
NPP Primaries: Electoral area coordinators in Ada, Sege declare support for Bawumia
5 hours -
PSG marks 90 years with Maiden Dinner and Awards Night
5 hours
