Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has urged New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs to follow through on their commitment to boycotting parliamentary proceedings, as announced by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
On Thursday, October 17, Afenyo-Markin, who is also the leader of government business in Parliament, declared that NPP MPs would indefinitely boycott all parliamentary activities in protest of Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that declared four parliamentary seats vacant.
In an interview on Citi FM, Mr Ayine emphasized that Parliamentary business would proceed regardless of whether the NPP follows through with its boycott.
He noted that, the House would reconvene on Tuesday, October 22, and continue its work with or without the NPP’s participation.
Mr Ayine also pointed out that the NPP had effectively lost its majority status following the Speaker’s ruling, as the reduction in their numbers meant the National Democratic Congress (NDC) now holds the majority in Parliament.
“Majority status is determined by numbers, and we [NDC] now have more than the NPP, which is as clear as daylight. We are the Majority, and they are the Minority. The four MPs are no longer part of Parliament, and the parliamentary marshals have the right to prevent them from entering the chamber. Their seats will remain vacant until the end of this Parliament.”
Ayine further hinted that the NDC plans to swiftly repeal the e-levy once Parliament reconvenes.
He explained that, under Article 108 of the Ghanaian Constitution, private members can introduce bills to amend or repeal tax laws, and the NDC intends to use this provision to dismantle the e-levy.
“We will sit, and with more than half the members of Parliament on our side, we will begin implementing our manifesto, starting on Tuesday. If the NPP chooses to stay out, we will move ahead and repeal the e-levy. Article 108 permits private members’ bills to repeal tax legislation like the e-levy.
“If the president refuses to accept such decisions, it could amount to high treason, and we may consider impeachment proceedings against him.”
Source: Adomonline
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