Speaker Alban Bagbin has asked Parliament’s Selection Committee to look into what he describes as “the purported resignation” of the MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from the Appointments Committee.

In an address to the House upon resumption from recess Tuesday, May 25, the Speaker noted it was not within his powers to accept the resignation letter. However, he did and forwarded it to the Selection Committee for consideration.

“I received a purported letter of resignation from the MP of North Tongu, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa just a few hours before Parliament recessed. By the rules of the House, my acceptance of his resignation would have been ultra vires for my position and powers as Speaker of Parliament.

“It was however procedurally intra vires for my position as the Chairman of the Committee of Selection, acting for or behalf of the Committee. I accordingly received the letter on behalf of and for the consideration of the committee which is to prepare, compose and present a report for your approval,” he told the House.

According to him, the committee would soon present its report to the House for consideration.

Mr Ablakwa, on Wednesday, March 31, resigned from the Appointment Committee.

In a letter to Speaker Alban Bagbin, the North Tongu MP stated that his decision to resign was taken "after days of careful reflection and thoughtful considerations.”

His decision was met with massive attacks from some of his colleagues on the minority side.

The Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu stated that if Mr Ablakwa’s resignation was as a result of the approval of the Finance Minister, then his decision was a betrayal of colleagues on the Appointment Committee since he took part in the approval of Ken Ofori-Atta.

Despite the explanation given by the North Tongu MP, Mr Iddrisu stated that, he could have opposed the approval of the Finance Minister nominee if he was not pleased with Mr Ofori-Atta's responses during the vetting.