Audio By Carbonatix
The trial of Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is taking a major toll on the business of Parliament.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament have chosen to boycott proceedings in solidarity with their leader whenever he appears in court.
This boycott has led to large parts of the legislative process being stalled until Dr Forson returns to the chamber, whereupon he often raises issues of quorum.
Tensions escalated in the House when the Deputy Speaker presiding, Andrew Amoako Asiamah refused to call for a head count saying it is not time yet. This nearly resulted in chaos.
In a tense parliamentary session, a disagreement arose over the management of speaking time. Speaker of the House insisted, "My time is not yet up to 10 minutes." However, Ketu North MP, James Klutse Avedzi countered, "The time the bell was rung, we all heard it. If you are telling this house that you are using your time…"
The Speaker responded, "I am saying the time I called for the bell, it is left with 2 minutes, so allow me." Mr Avedzi challenged this by stating, "Mr Speaker, the framers of the 1992 Constitution never contemplated that a speaker would have a special time different from the rest."
The session was marked by heated exchanges, highlighting ongoing tensions within the House over procedural matters.
The NDC MPs also faced accusations of attempting to frustrate government business through their actions.
But the Kintampo North MP, Joseph Kwame Kumah denied the allegation describing it as false.
“It should be on record that it is even the Minority who are more in the House so if anybody should say we are thwarting government business, it is not true,” he said.
Also, Ketu North MP, Dr James Klutse Avedzi, in defence claimed the majority side is trying their best to incite Ghanaians against the Minority, adding that their plans will not wash.
He questioned whether the Minority Leader is equally not qualified to represent his people in Parliament.
“If they want us to do the work, which they term it as frustration, then they should allow Ato Forson to also represent his constituents. They should drop the case because this is a case where they [government] are in charge,” he added.
The House was suspended for an hour due to a lack of agreement. When proceedings resumed, a quorum was not established, leading to the adjournment of the House.
Latest Stories
-
How Asamoah Gyan reacted after Ghana was paired with England, Croatia, and Panama for the 2026 World Cup
2 hours -
Ghana Armed Forces opens 2025/2026 intake for military academy
2 hours -
Prime Insight: OSP vs. Kpebu and petitions to remove EC boss to dominate discussions this Saturday
2 hours -
Multimedia’s David Andoh selected among international journalists covering PLANETech 2025 in Israel
3 hours -
Gov’t prioritising real action over slogans – Kwakye Ofosu
4 hours -
England are tough, but we can play against Ghana, Panama – Croatia coach reacts to World Cup draw
5 hours -
Togbe Afede urges Ghanaians to support made-in-Ghana products
5 hours -
We can beat anyone – Otto Addo reacts to World Cup draw
5 hours -
Chief Justice urges judicial staff to uphold compassion and professionalism
6 hours -
MTN Ghana partners open vegetable centre of excellence
6 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Mensah brace fires All Blacks to victory over Eleven Wonders
6 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile: Petitions against the OSP, EC heads, and 2025 WASSCE results
7 hours -
Ambassador urges U.S. investors to prioritise land verification as Ghana courts more investment
7 hours -
Europe faces an expanding corruption crisis
7 hours -
Ghana’s Dr Bernard Appiah appointed to WHO Technical Advisory Group on alcohol and drug epidemiology
8 hours
