The Member of Parliament for Bongo, Edward Bawa has issued a stern warning to the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu over his insistence to vote while presiding over parliamentary proceedings.
According to him, members of the Minority caucus will resist attempts by the Bekwai MP to vote while in the Chair.
The Bekwai MP had in an earlier interview indicated that he will always leave the Chair to vote when presiding since being a Deputy Speaker doesn’t take away those rights.
“…My insistence is not to vote from the chair, but as and when necessary I will leave the chair if I’m the one presiding or when the 2nd Deputy Speaker is presiding, he can leave the chair and change over so he can also exercise his vote. That, I insist on it.”
“If you read the whole Standing Order, the part dealing with headcount or division, it says that if even a member who was not in the chamber, and who did not hear the question put is entitled to vote. What about me? I’m a member, heard the question because I was presiding I didn’t vote. But when it comes to the headcount my rights are not taken away,” he said on Accra-based Joy News.
Those comments have not sat down too well with the NDC MPs who have vowed to prevent him from casting his ballot while presiding.
Speaking on Joy News’ flagship AM show, Mr Bawa said Mr Osei-Owusu will be met with heavy resistance if he dares vote.
“You can take my words to the bank; he will be matched squarely on that; he will be resisted. That you can take to the bank, it is an assurance I am giving you.”