Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs for their absence from the Business Committee meeting, questioning whether they are “pretending” or simply “ignorant” of the committee’s purpose.
He referred to remarks made by Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Deputy Majority Whip Habib Iddrisu, who claimed their absence was to highlight the purpose of the parliamentary recall, which they believe was already well understood by the public.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, November 7, Mr Murtala Mohammed stated, “On why they did not participate in the Business Committee meeting, it is either they are pretending or they are simply ignorant.”
According to him, the Business Committee’s role is essential for building consensus, as it involves both the Majority and Minority groups in agreeing on the schedule for parliamentary proceedings.
“It is for both caucuses – Majority and Minority – to agree on the programme of the business. There are instances where government brings its business, and during the Business Committee meeting, amendments are made, and in some cases, certain items are completely removed,” he explained.
He added that the Business Committee’s work is a shared responsibility between the Majority, Minority, and Speaker of Parliament, and it does not rest solely with the Majority to call for meetings.
The NPP MPs’ absence led to the Speaker adjourning Parliament twice due to a lack of quorum, as there was no business before the House to conduct any legislative actions.
In response, Deputy Majority Whip Habib Iddrisu explained that NPP MPs were on their way to the chamber when they noticed the Speaker had already taken his seat, with the Minority positioned on the right.
According to Mr Iddrisu, they decided to wait, only to see the Speaker adjourn the session.
“So it is not true that we never turned out,” he clarified.
But the Tamale Central MP ruled out the explanation given saying it is not true as he waited fro about 45 minutes in the Chamber when the House was adjourned but did not see the NPP MPs.
