Parliament has overturned the decision reached on Friday, November 26, 2021, to reject the 2022 budget statement.
The decision to overturn last week’s decision was tabled before the House in the absence of the Minority with First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei Owusu presiding as Speaker.
On Friday, November 26, the Minority Caucus voted to reject the 2022 budget after the Majority Caucus staged a walkout.
However, the Majority described the decision as unconstitutional and threatened to overturn the decision.
When sitting resumed on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, the Minority was not present.
Joseph Osei Owusu who presided in his ring noted that the proceeding on that day did not conform to the rules and required several MPs present.
He said the required number was for half of the number of MPs which was 138.
He noted that the Speaker would not have committed the error if his attention was drawn to the issue and because of that, his being was void and inconsequential.
Before he took the decision, he asked for the number of MPs present to be taken and it was 137, and stated that as an MP presiding as Speaker he reserved the right to be counted making the number 138.
He further added that the 138 present did not mean all of them needed to vote in favour of the motion.
After that, he put the question to have the earlier decision declared as null and void.
He expressed disappointment in the Minority for boycotting the sitting.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana