The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has condemned Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling that halted a parliamentary probe into the alleged seizure of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, describing the decision as a severe blow to parliamentary oversight.
Citing Articles 93(2) and 103 of the 1992 Constitution, Afenyo-Markin stressed that the motion aimed strictly at institutional oversight rather than interfering in court proceedings.
Addressing journalists following the ruling, the Effutu MP argued that Article 93(2) vests legislative power in Parliament, whilst Article 103 mandates committees to investigate state agencies with the full powers of a High Court to summon witnesses and demand documents.
“It’s a sad day for our democracy. Today is a sad day for parliamentary oversight. Today the majority has one more time used its super majority with the support of Mister Speaker to weaken parliament,” he stated.
He further clarified that the proposed inquiry was not intended to determine criminal liability or evaluate court evidence, but rather to assess the effectiveness of the public institutions involved.
“Clearly the NDC government is afraid of its own failures. This ruling by Mister Speaker has failed the integrity test required of parliament to discharge its duties,” the Minority Leader added.
“The gravamen of our motion is institutional oversight,” he stated.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
