The Speaker of parliament, was asked by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP’s, to kindly end today’s meeting very early, to enable the Members of Minority Caucus, pick up forms for the upcoming primaries.
The NDC, released a statement that they would have a three day opening, that will enable the current Members of Parliament, and the public at large, pick up forms for contesting towards the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections in 2024.
The Minority Chief Whip, said most of them could not pick up their forms yesterday, because they were locked up in the Parliament house, deliberating on issues and as such, they left parliament after 9pm, which did not help them at all.
The Majority, claimed it as unfair for them to compromise, to enable the NDC in Parliament, pick up forms to be submitted for the Party Primaries, when they; the Minority Caucus, are unable to compromise, when it mattered most in Parliament.
The minority and majority chief whips went toe to toe, and then concluded that the Speaker of Parliament, should make considerations to adjourn the house and move forward.
Alban Bagbin Advices Both Caucuses
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, claimed to have already told members of both floors, to submit their forms. He said, now that papers have been laid, he thought it wise and proper, to adjourn the house. Before the adjourning of the house, he decided to speak some nuggets of wisdom, to the house at large.
“The house is having too much sound and fury, I want to urge leadership to take up this matter. Leadership must take the lead and I am sure your members will follow up. The house is meant for the brain and not for brawl. The brawl, is meant for other places, this place is for the brain alone.
“There are some exceptions, but it is not all the time that the heat must come from parliament. I urge the two caucuses, to implement workshops. I have a lot of concerns from Ghanaians and I don’t want to mention names. This house is so fragile and we must all be very careful, with how we conduct business in the house. When we were talking about how the media got it wrong; during the debates, most of you also got it wrong, so how can you blame the media?”
Alban Bagbin
Alban Bagbin, spoke about the bad sound system in the Parliament house and how they suffered to hear each other out. He claimed to struggle, in order to make out words of both the minority and majority caucus leaders.
“Most of you at the back, are privileged to have better microphones. This is the only house we have; we must work at it, Africa is looking up to Ghana, we cannot afford to fail them. I know the qualities we have; this is one of the best houses we have had.
“Your qualities are very high, but the only problem you all have is how to calm your nerves. Ghanaians, are looking for power sharing, there have been resistance because of majoritarian sharing. So please, I’m particularly going to lead the way, for us all to go on. I thank you all for your understanding”
Alban Bagbin
The Deputy Majority leader in parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said they appreciated what the Speaker of Parliament had said and encouraged, they all started trusting each other more in Parliament and outside Parliament, because if there were signs of distrust amongst themselves, it would prevent democracy.
Ablakwa, jokingly on the other hand, said the Majority should not catch the eye of the Speaker of Parliament, because they (the majority caucus), cannot move for the motion, when the NDC had not yet gotten the chance to speak. The NDC Members of Parliament, said that all the Deputy Majority Leader had to do was, to accept the motion and not make any further remarks.
The house was thereby adjourned to Tuesday, 2nd March, 2023, at full noon.
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