Majority Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has launched scathing accusations at the Minority caucus, questioning their commitment to the parliamentary boycott.
He accused the Minority members of engaging in questionable tactics by abandoning work in the Chamber but showing up at Committees to drink tea and sign in their presence (Probably to be able to collect sitting allowance).
In a fiery statement to the media on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, following an abrupt adjournment of the House due to lack of quorum, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh criticized the Minority members for their selective approach to the boycott.
He stated, “They should tell us why they are not participating in public business in the Chamber and yet go for committee meetings.”
He expressed dismay over the Minority’s behavior where they attend committee meetings to take tea and sign their presence but deliberately withdrawing from the Chamber.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh described this as a ‘crude tactic’ aimed at frustrating government business.
“That is most unfortunate, and that is not how representatives of the people are supposed to behave. We will be looking at them,” he declared.
The contentious issue of quorum was raised by the Member for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, who pointed out that there were insufficient members present to adopt even the Votes and Proceedings of the previous day.
Less than 90 members were present at the commencement of the sitting.
Expressing disappointment, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh called on the Minority to uphold their patriotic duty as elected representatives, emphasizing that they were voted into the House to participate in parliamentary business.
He challenged the Minority to adopt a more principled approach and either fully boycott Parliament or actively participate without picking and choosing their engagements.
“We don’t do only government business,” he asserted, highlighting the need for both sides of the House to collaborate effectively.
To address concerns about forming a quorum, the Whip demanded accountability from the Minority.
He said, “If you tell me we should marshal our NPP numbers, it is as if the house is one-sided and is minded to do only government business. No, we don’t do only government business.”
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh called on the Minority to take a decisive stance by wholly boycotting Parliament or actively participating in its proceedings, rather than engaging in inconsistent practices that may diminish their credibility.