First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has declared Parliament remains a master of its own rules.
The recent judgement by the Supreme Court that Deputy Speakers of Parliament can be counted for purposes of quorum and can vote while presiding has been copiously quoted by the Minority as a basis to block the approval of some crucial agreements due to the lack of quorum for decision making.
On the floor of Parliament Friday, March 18, 2022, the Minority again succeded in pulling the brakes on an agreement before the House for consideration.
The Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, who raised the lack of quorum on the floor of the House argued Parliament is no longer a master of its own rules, per the judgement of the apex court.
“Care must be taken; we are no longer masters of our own rules,” he said.
But this was shot down by the Bekwai MP who emphatically stated that Parliament remains its own master.
“Honorable Leader, kindly withdraw that part. That’s not like you. You have been a decent and well (sic) lawyer; don’t add that part – it’s not like you. Your argument is ok, it’s sound but don’t add the propaganda bit because that is not like you. Proceed but cut out we’re no longer masters of our own rules: we are!” he said.
Meanwhile, the House has for the third time this week had to take an early shower due to lack of quorum.
Source: Mypublisher24.com