Private Legal Practitioner, Julius Opoku Agyei says the Marshal office shrieked its responsibilities, leading to the commotion that ensued in Parliament during its 8^th inauguration on January 7.

Speaking on ‘The Law’ with Samson Lardy Anyenini, Mr. Opoku Agyei indicated that it is the duty of the Marshal office to ensure law and order is maintained in the House.

“It was the duty of the Marshal and his lieutenant to make sure everything that happened in the chamber was done in an orderly manner,” he said.

Mr Opoku Agyei was emphatic that the Marshal office failed the country in executing its duty.

“We saw the police and armed men come in. It wasn’t good. It wasn’t a good sight at all,” he added.

The election of a new Speaker saw several misconducts happen in Parliament. The NDC caucus took and brought down election materials after a member of the NPP caucus violated the secret voting standing order of the House.

Inauguration of 8th parliament: Chaos in parliament over position of ballot box. #7thTo8thParliament pic.twitter.com/RtEapfFjf9

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) January 7, 2021

The day also saw MP for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkroh snatch ballot papers in the hope of dashing to the nearest exit.

Inauguration of 8th parliament: The moment when Carlos Ahenkorah snatched the ballot papers. #7thTo8thParliament pic.twitter.com/wwf6NVZIsN

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) January 7, 2021

Reacting to the actions by the members of the legislature, Opoku Agyei was of the opinion that the MPs should have employed the services of the Marshal office rather than act on its own accord.

However, he said if indeed the NDC caucus stopped a violation of the standing order, “then they were doing the right thing.”

Meanwhile, Opoku Agyei says Members of Parliament are not above the law and if per investigations are found culpable of behaving unconstitutional, they shall be brought to book.