Former Deputy Attorney General and MP for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has announced that members of the NDC will continue parliamentary business on Tuesday, October 22, even if their NPP counterparts choose to boycott the session.
Dr. Ayine stated that a “new regime” will begin when Parliament resumes, emphasizing that the NDC will act on behalf of the electorate to carry out what is just and necessary, including repealing legislation where possible.
He specifically cited the Electronic Transfer Levy (e-Levy) as a policy that could face repeal proceedings.
“We will be filing private members motions… We will repeal the obnoxious pieces of legislation they have passed, the taxes such as e-Levy, and so on and so forth. In fact, we will start implementing our manifesto on Tuesday.
“…we are working on behalf of the people of this country, we were elected to work on behalf of the people of this country so if they stay out, we have the mandate of the people to repeal e-Levy and change the fortunes of the people of this country instantaneously. So they should stay off, we will do business.”
Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine
Dr. Ayine further asserted that the question of which party holds the majority or minority in Parliament is straightforward, determined solely by numerical strength, and “as clear as daylight.”
He emphasized that the rules governing parliamentary procedures are well-defined, and when issues arise that require only a simple majority, the NDC will not hesitate to move forward with its agenda.
Meanwhile, NPP members have indicated they will not participate in parliamentary sessions until the Supreme Court issues a ruling regarding their injunction application against the Speaker.
Despite this, Dr. Ayine insisted that the NDC has a mandate to represent the interests of their constituents and will fulfill their parliamentary responsibilities, regardless of the NPP’s absence.
Dr. Ayine highlighted that the functioning of Parliament should not be hindered by political disputes or boycotts, stressing the importance of continuing legislative business for the benefit of the people.
NDC Caucus Aims to Lead Parliament
Furthermore, the NDC Parliamentary Caucus expressed its plans to initiate efforts to assume leadership of Parliament on Tuesday, October 22.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, emphasized that with 136 MPs, his side of the House now constitutes the new majority, positioning them to influence critical decisions.
He announced that the NDC Parliamentary Caucus would elect a Second Deputy Speaker of the House on that same day.
Dr. Forson reaffirmed that the NDC is in Parliament to conduct the business of the Ghanaian people, declaring their unwavering intention to begin the process of resetting the country for a better, more prosperous future for all citizens.
“Our country has gone through very difficult times. In fact, oftentimes, the people of Ghana have blamed Parliament for not standing up for the people of Ghana. But obviously, we can’t blame the NDC minority because we are not having a working majority.
“We have a working majority and we begin the process to reset our country. We want to use this opportunity to assure the people of Ghana that the NDC majority will stand for the people of Ghana, any day, any time.”
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Minority Leader assured the public that the NDC will also assume control of the majority of parliamentary committees and will operate in a manner that prioritizes the interests of the citizens.
He emphasized that the country has faced significant challenges and hardships, underscoring that this state of affairs cannot persist any longer.
Dr. Forson reiterated the NDC’s commitment to effective governance, promising to implement policies and initiatives that will foster progress and improve the lives of all Ghanaians.
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