The Majority Caucus in Parliament has expressed its disapproval of what it describes as a lawless Minority obstructionist tactics, which it claims have delayed the approval of expenditure in advance of appropriation for the first quarter of 2025.
Majority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin accused the Minority of derailing parliamentary proceedings and endangering national interests.
“It is disingenuous for the Minority to shift blame to the Government for these delays. These delays are the direct consequence of their own reckless behavior and refusal to cooperate on vital legislative matters,” he said.
Addressing the Parliamentary press on Friday December 20, the Majority leader stressed the alleged refusal of the Minority to allow the tabling of a report to confirm the appointments of Supreme Court nominees Professor Richard Frimpong Oppong and Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Bernasko Essah.
These appointments, according to the Majority, are critical to the effective functioning of the judiciary.
“This reckless action undermines the rule of law and causes unnecessary delays in the delivery of justice for Ghanaians who depend on the courts for the protection of their rights and resolution of disputes,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin also cited the Minority’s “unlawful and unprecedented takeover” of the Majority benches in Parliament in November as an example of what it termed “reckless brinkmanship.”
This act, he said, paralyzed parliamentary business for weeks and violated the dignity and decorum of the legislative body.
“Such conduct reflects a troubling disregard for the trust and responsibility entrusted to them by the Ghanaian people,” he lamented.
The Majority leader also lamented the stalling of critical national initiatives, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) Bill and a $250 million World Bank facility intended to stabilize the financial sector.
He criticized the Minority for undermining efforts to create jobs through the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
“These concessions, including reasonable tax exemptions, were designed to facilitate the operationalization of numerous factories, creating jobs for Ghanaian youth. The Minority’s actions jeopardize efforts to alleviate the burdens faced by struggling Ghanaian families,” Afenyo-Markin said.
The Majority Caucus called on the ‘lawless Minority caucus’ to abandon its obstructionist approach and cooperate to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament.
“As a responsible Majority, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the people of Ghana. We urge the Minority to work with us in the collective interest of the nation.”
“We are resolute in our determination to safeguard Ghana’s progress by creating jobs, strengthening the judiciary, and accelerating economic recovery.
“The Ghanaian people deserve better than the reckless conduct they have witnessed from the Minority in recent months,” he added.