Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has reprimanded Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during a parliamentary session, stressing that discussions in the House should not be about who can shout the loudest.
His remarks came in response to Afenyo-Markin’s argument over whether the Budget Statement should be presented as a motion or simply as a statement.
During the debate ahead of the 2024 Budget presentation, Afenyo-Markin insisted that the matter was a well-founded application, a position supported by Deputy Minority Whip, whom he claimed was being intimidated by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.
However, Bagbin maintained that the correct parliamentary procedure had been followed regarding the presentation of the government’s Budget Statement and economic policy.
“I’ve heard, and I think, in terms of procedure, the right thing has been done. The order clearly states that the estimates of revenue and expenditure must be presented as a statement. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government shall be presented to the House by the Minister responsible for Finance on behalf of or on the authority of the President,” he clarified.
He further cautioned Afenyo-Markin, saying, “Honorable Minority Leader, you are not in a shouting battle, please. This is the House, and the only way the House can determine the format of the statement is when it is officially presented. The House cannot decide on this matter outside of a formal sitting.”
Bagbin’s remarks reinforced the need for proper decorum and adherence to parliamentary rules in budget discussions.
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