Parliament is divided over the competence of a motion filed by Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga asking the house to resolve to ask the president to take urgent steps to suspend the payment of admission fees by fresh public tertiary education and continuing students.
Members on the majority side including Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh, the majority Group leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu and the Deputy Majority Group Leader Alex Afenyo-Markin raised a preliminary objection to the motion and asked the speaker to dismiss it.
They were of the opinion that the President does not have any powers to suspend the implementation of any law, arguing that the fees in question are backed by a legislative instrument.
Members on the minority side however disagreed. They were of the view that the motion was proper and very competent and should be debated and adopted.
The Speaker ruled that the motion is competent.
Leadership of both sides however agreed subsequently to have the motion amended. Debate on the substantive matter has therefore been suspended to today.
