Government Under Fire for Alleged Abuse of Parliamentary Procedure

Accra: A heated debate erupted in Parliament between the Minority and Majority Caucuses over the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Thomas Ampem Nyarko's response to concerns raised during the conclusion of the mid-year budget review debate. Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin accused the government of undermining the parliamentary process and denying members a fair opportunity to respond to criticisms.According to Ghana News Agency, Osahen Afenyo-Markin stated on the Floor of the House that the debate on the budget had been ongoing since Monday and was concluding, with both sides having presented their arguments. He expressed discontent that the Deputy Minister was addressing every debater from the Minority side without providing them an opportunity to respond. He emphasized the importance of fair hearing and proportionality in parliamentary debates, arguing against making allegations without giving the accused a chance to rebut.In a related development, Dr. Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Walewale, addressed the Parliamentary Press Corps after a walkout during the ongoing address of the Deputy Finance Minister. He accused First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor of siding with the Majority, alleging that the Speaker was not maintaining the necessary impartiality expected in parliamentary proceedings.Dr. Tiah Mahama stressed the need for the Speaker to maintain neutrality and highlighted that the government's actions were not in keeping with normal parliamentary procedure. He expressed concerns that the government's approach was undermining the democratic process and emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in government.The Walewale MP further noted that the government's actions have raised questions about its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law. He underscored the necessity for reform and greater accountability in the parliamentary process, ensuring that all members have a fair opportunity to parti cipate and contribute to the country's development.