The Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Kweku Baako Jnr has asked the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin to “step aside” if his health is going to be a challenge to his work in Parliament.
The Speaker went ‘missing’ on Monday, December 20, 2021, during the voting on the controversial E-levy bill.
According to the Majority leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, he asked the First Deputy Speaker to take over and was later seen driving away in his car.
Others have accused him (Speaker) of deliberately frustrating government’s efforts.
The Minority Caucus explained the Speaker was unwell; hence his absence.
Explaining his side of the story, the Speaker said his absence was not deliberate and that, “I can give you a copy of my closing remarks which when I was leaving I passed through my Usher to give to them. It was after 10 pm the night, and I had to go and take a rest because you delayed in sitting, I had to compel the house to sit after 2 and decided and said let’s discuss E-levy, you say no, vary the order of business, I kept on varying the order of business, we did about 6 important items, approving other loans until I had to hand over getting to 6: 30 to the first Deputy Speaker now they say I refuse to preside that is why some numbers were not in the house.”
“I’m not a Chief whip of any political party, I’m not entitled to bring members to the house, that’s not my duty. I am to preside and apply the rules and I’ve applied them fairly, according to my understanding through literature, through experience,” he added.
Contributing to a panel discussion on Peace FM’s morning show ‘Kokrokoo’, Kweku Baako said if the Speakers health will be a challenge, he can “step aside”.
“Even though I don’t have hardcore evidence, the coincidence is quite remarkable; considering the issue at stake and the numbers…I’ve heard others saying his action was due to his health status…if it continues then he might as well look at the option of stepping aside” he indicated.
Source: Peace FM
