MP for Wa Central, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has defended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, in response to criticism from Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu, who recently accused the Speaker of contributing to chaos in Parliament.
Afenyo-Markin, speaking on November 7, expressed concerns that Bagbin’s handling of recent parliamentary adjournments could undermine Ghana’s democratic process.
The controversy began when Speaker Bagbin adjourned a session, citing the absence of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members as the reason for a lack of parliamentary business. Afenyo-Markin later clarified that the NPP’s absence was due to procedural disagreements, not irresponsibility.
During The Big Issue on Channel One TV, Dr. Pelpuo urged Afenyo-Markin to retract his statements, asserting that Bagbin has responsibly carried out his role as Speaker.
Pelpuo emphasized the need to establish an appropriate platform within Parliament to address procedural and legal issues, especially in light of recent Supreme Court rulings that impact parliamentary proceedings.
“Afenyo-Markin accuses the Speaker of fostering chaos, but he should withdraw that claim,” Dr. Pelpuo stated. “For the Speaker to act, we must establish a proper forum where he can address such issues.”
He continued, “What harm is there if you sit in the minority side, raise the Supreme Court ruling, and request the Speaker’s response? Instead, you accuse him of chaos without taking any procedural action like citing him for contempt.
So far, the Speaker has done nothing wrong—he’s simply fulfilling his duties as Speaker.”
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