The Speaker of Parliament has referred Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the Committee of Privileges and Immunities over a complaint filed against him by his opposite number.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central Constituency, had complained to Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin on Tuesday, November 11 about the disregard of a parliamentary resolution by Mr Afenyo-Markin to travel to Port Harcourt in Nigeria as part of Ghana’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament.
The situation is said to have embarassed Ghana’s delegation as members were initially refused admission over the standoff.
The Speaker had promised to deliver a ruling on the complaint the following day.
Addressing MPs on Thursday, November 27, Speaker Bagbin said he had deferred the ruling due to the exigencies of the business of the House.
He made it clear to all gathered in Parliament that any resolution passed by the House “becomes a binding decision of the House until it is rescinded, amended or expunged”.
Additionally, he said resolutions should not be seen as an order from the Speaker but rather a decision of Parliament.
Therefore, going against such resolutions constitute a breach of Parliamentary rules.
Speaker Bagbin, therefore, observed that the complaint “raises prima facie and implicates the dignity of the House”.
Consequently, he referred the matter to the Committee of Privileges and Immunities.
“I urge the Committee to discharge its mandate with diligence, impartiality and decorum, ensuring that all the parties are given a fair hearing,” the Speaker admonished, strongly urging MPs to refrain from making public commentary on the matter.
The Committee has been given four terms of reference including ascertaining the relevant facts giving rise to the complaint and making appropriate recommendations to the House for its consideration.
The Committee will later report to the House after the examination, inquiry and investigation of the complaint.