The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Caucus has announced they will only be available for parliamentary business after court proceedings have concluded on days when the ongoing ambulance case trial is scheduled.
The decision comes in response to the refusal of the presiding High Court judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, to grant a request allowing Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to attend important parliamentary sessions.
On Tuesday, 11th June 2024, Parliament resumed its third meeting of the fourth session, but the Minority Leader was unable to attend due to the court’s refusal to accommodate his parliamentary duties.
The NDC Caucus was left with no representation at these important meetings.
Last week, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe similarly denied a request from the Parliament of Ghana for Dr. Forson to participate in a crucial Parliamentary Service Board meeting.
This repeated denial has raised concerns within the NDC Minority Caucus about the judge’s intentions.
The Minority expressed worry at what it says are attempts by the trial judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, to prevent the Minority Leader from performing his constitutional duties as an elected Member of Parliament and the Leader of the Minority Caucus.
“The NDC Minority will continue to solidarize and stand by its Leader anytime he is due to appear in court,” Minority Chief Governs Kwame Agbodza stressed.
Tuesday’s parliamentary session, which marks the beginning of the third meeting of the fourth session of the eighth Parliament, was notably impacted by the Minority Leader’s absence. Dr. Forson was expected to deliver a resumption address, engage with the press, and undertake other key legislative duties.
This forced the House to start well after 2 pm
The Caucus expressed its determination to support their leader and protect his right to perform his parliamentary responsibilities.
They also indicated that they reserve the right to use ‘all other tools available’ in their approach to parliamentary business.