By: Edzorna Francis Mensah
At about 11:30am only nine Members of Parliament on the Majority side including the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bons and MP for Dome Kwanemya, Sarah Adwoa Safo, were present in the Chamber for public business forcing the 2nd Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako to suspend Tuesday’s sitting.
The Speaker was shocked to see almost empty chairs from the Majority side of the House particularly at the time the Minority had boycotted proceedings in solidarity with their colleague who is to appear in court today in line with their earlier threat of NDC MPs in conjunction with the Party.
The NDC Minority in Parliament has boycotted Parliamentary sitting for the second time to enable Members accompany and solidarize with two members of the Caucus, namely the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and MP for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson who standing trial for various criminal offenses.
James Gyakye Quayson MP for Assin North was due to appear in court this morning in ongoing prosecutions by the Attorney-General hence, his the absence today.
A Statement dated 6th July, 2023 and signed by Minority Chief Whip, Kwame Agbodza said “The Minority stands united with our colleagues, and as such will not be able to honour the business of the house today”.
The statement said, “this is the beginning of a series of actions that the Caucus will be embarking on to end the ongoing persecution of the Minority Leader himself, the Hon. James Gyakye Quayson and the Hon. Collins Dauda”.
At a press conference, held in Parliament on Tuesday, 11th July, 2023, NPP Member of Parliament for Okaikoi Central, Patrick Boamah appealed to the Minority to rescind their decision and come to chamber for public business in the larger interest of the country.
He recognized the fact that the action of the Minority to be in court anytime their colleague is in court is within the law, and “it is their constitutional right to do so”, but urged them to reconsider their decision.
“…Please, reconsider your stand” Mr Patrick Boamah said.
Lawyer Patrick Boamah again acknowledged that the “Minority has a key role to play in Parliament”, and their decision is affecting government business.