A former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has intimated the Privileges Committee of Parliament must not have difficulty in reaching absented Members of Parliament.
Commenting on Adwoa Safo’s refusal to appear before the Privileges Committee, Ras Mubarak averred that the Committee has powers of the High Court, as such, it can Subpoena and compel people to appear before it.
“Well the committee must not struggle to reach anyone. The public is waiting with bated breath to see how it all pans out. A committee of Parliament can compel people to produce documents. So, if one or two persons [are] dragging their feet, the committee has the powers to invoke its powers of Subpoena and get anyone who seems to be dogging the committee, to appear before the committee.”
Ras Mubarak
Ras Mubarak disclosed that he does not want to prejudge the work of the committee, especially being the petitioner. He reminded the members of the committee of their sacred oath of office and the fact that the Ghanaian public and the world at large are looking up to them to rise to the occasion. “And we do hope and pray that they will live to the bidding.”
Adwoa Safo unwilling to honor invitation
Touching on the Committee’s decision to publicize Adwoa Sarfo’s summon, Ras Mubarak averred that it was ideal. According to him, she has availed herself to at least one media interview and obviously, from the look of things, she is unwilling to honor an invitation of the Committee.
“For me I will reiterate the point that I have made time and again that, we are where we are because of the executive arm of government’s unwillingness to fire her. This is a Minister of state who has been out of office for months and still has the audacity to even tell us that when she returns, she’s coming back to her job. This is a Minister who also doubles as a member of Parliament.”
Ras Mubarak
Ras Mubarak posited that the Committee should not waste anymore time on this particular person than it already has.
“If she is dragging her feet and pretending as if she hasn’t heard what is happening, the Committee should invoke its authority and Subpeona her. Failure of which should result in immediate decision on her fate.”
Ras Mubarak
Meanwhile, the MP for Assin Central Kennedy Agyapong has said his long absence without leave from Parliament was due to ill-health. Appearing before the privileges committee of Parliament on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the politician presented health documents to support his claim.
Kennedy Agyapong and two other lawmakers have been summoned by the committee to justify why they have been absent from sessions of Parliament for well over the stipulated 15 days.
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