Two deputy Chairpersons and other officials of the Electoral Commission (EC) were kicked out from a meeting of Parliament's Special Budget Committee considering the 2022 budget estimates of the Commission.
Dr Bossman Asare and Samuel Tettey and their colleagues failed to justify the absence of the EC Chairperson, Jean Mensa.
According to members of the Committee, there are critical constitutional matters, including the creation of a constituency for residents of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lipke and Lolobi (SALL), which the Chairperson must answer.
A member of the Committee, Ahmed Ibrahim, further explained that Mrs Mensa has for some time now failed to avail herself before the Committee, a practice he believes should not be allowed to continue.
Speaking to JoyNews' Kwesi Parker-Wilson, the First Deputy Minority Whip observed that until the physical appearance of Jean Mensa before the Committee, they will not consider the budget estimates for the Commission.
“Because this is the only Committee that oversight all the constitutional bodies. All the other constitutional bodies have been here by their chairpersons and chief executive officers. So it will not be fair to them.
He added that the last time Jean Mensa had failed to be present at the Mid-Year budget performance review.
“And this is not the first time you know when we went to rock city to do the mid-year budget performance review, she could not come; her deputies arrived. We listened to them.
"So we were with the view that when we come for the budget hearing, she will come. So it was unfortunate that she was not here. But there are serious constitutional issues that would be raised in the budget hearing,” he said.
Speaking on the non-representation of the SALL people, he explained that “We cannot claim to be representing the people of Ghana when some of them have no representation. And if you keep quiet on this, then who else will speak for them.”
He said that is why the EC Chair must come before the Committee and share her plans towards creating a new constituency for the SALL people and ensuring that they get representation, probably even before the 2024 General Elections.
“We need to know her policies, juxtapose them with the estimates and the figures, then assess her performance in the previous budget before we can approve the 2022 one,” he said.
Latest Stories
-
CAF Confederation Cup: Dreams face Zamalek, RS Berkane take on holders, USM Algiers
1 hour -
PURC could have found a better approach to settle issues with ECG – Dr Manteaw
1 hour -
CAFCC: John Antwi sure of positive result against Zamalek
2 hours -
I’ll choose Osofo Kyiri Abosom as my running mate over Akua Donkor – Prophet Kumchacha
2 hours -
LPG prices surge in Ghana, raising concerns over tax impact
2 hours -
I commend PURC for taking courageous step to fine ECG board members – Kwame Pianim
2 hours -
Financing assurance secured from bilateral creditors to aid 2nd review funding for Ghana – IMF Africa head
3 hours -
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump’s Manhattan hush money trial dies
3 hours -
Fuel purchase issues have nothing to do with personal interest – Egypa Mercer
3 hours -
ISRQ2024: Theorose School wins Championship with 0.5 points, heads to Canada
3 hours -
Use your voice, talents, skills to advocate for positive change – UniMAC VC tells graduates
3 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses ‘dumsor’, Ex-MASLOC CEO jail and Election 2024
4 hours -
Otumfuo STEM Festival launched to find problem-solvers, promote science education
4 hours -
Irene Logan ties the knot in colourful ceremony
4 hours -
Alliance with other parties, not a merger – Alan Kyerematen
4 hours