The Minority caucus in Parliament has condemned the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, for what they describe as "egregious contempt" against the leadership of Parliament.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, 29th January, the caucus described Ms Hardcastle’s actions on Tuesday, 28th January 2025, as one of the most “flagrant attacks on parliamentary dignity in recent memory.” They are calling for stern sanctions against her.

According to the statement, Ms Hardcastle attempted to direct Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annor-Dompreh, on how to carry out his parliamentary duties and went further to describe a senior Member of Parliament as “silly”. The Minority Caucus sees this as a serious assault on the authority of Parliament.

“Such conduct strikes at the very foundation of our democracy and must be met with the full force of parliamentary sanctions,” the statement read.

The issue was raised on the floor of Parliament by Hon. Annor-Dompreh, where both Minority and Majority MPs expressed outrage over Ms Hardcastle’s actions. The bipartisan condemnation, according to the Minority, reflects Parliament’s firm stance against any behaviour that undermines its authority.

The statement also referenced a past ruling in the case of Hon. K. T. Hammond v William Ampem Darko, which established that no member of the public has the authority to direct or verbally attack an MP for carrying out their parliamentary duties. This precedent, they argue, reinforces the need for strict action against Ms Hardcastle.

Read Also: Apologise publicly for harming Annoh-Dompreh’s reputation – Haruna Iddrisu tells Hardcastle following heated exchange

With the Committee on Privileges and Immunities yet to be constituted, the Speaker of Parliament has scheduled a hearing on Thursday, 30th January 2025, where both parties will present their cases. The Minority Caucus expects a ruling on Friday, 31st January 2025, which they believe should serve as a strong deterrent.

“We anticipate that Friday’s report or ruling by the Speaker will send an unmistakable message of deterrence to all public officials and indeed any person who might contemplate similar contemptuous conduct in the future,” the statement noted.

The Minority Caucus insists that Parliament must make it clear that any attempt to undermine its authority or dignity will face severe consequences. They are demanding exemplary sanctions, which could include fines, restriction from parliamentary premises, a mandatory public apology, or even imprisonment under the Standing Orders of Parliament.

They also reminded public officials that engagements with Parliament must always be conducted with “the highest standards of decorum and respect.”

As they await the Speaker’s final decision, the Minority has called on all stakeholders to recognise the significance of this case stating that “We call on all stakeholders to note that this case will set a crucial precedent for future interactions between public officials and Parliament. The dignity of Parliament is non-negotiable, and those who choose to assault it must face commensurate consequences.”

Read Also: Annoh-Dompreh clashes with Emeafa Hardcastle over ‘Micro-Minority’ comment