The Majority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has suggested that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) should have held the parliamentary majority from the start of the 8th Parliament.
He however alleged that certain “machinations” prevented it although Ghanaians voted for such.
His comments follow the Speaker of Parliament’s declaration of four parliamentary seats as vacant, shifting the numerical advantage to the NDC side.
Speaking at a press briefing after the Speaker’s ruling, Dr Forson emphasized that the people of Ghana voted for an NDC majority in the 2020 elections, and the recent ruling by the Speaker has finally reflected the people’s will.
“Minority has just moved to Majority. In fact, the people of Ghana voted for the NDC majority, but if not for certain machinations, this should have happened from day one of this Parliament. But you see, finally, we are here,” Ato Forson said.
He expressed optimism that with the NDC now in the majority, they can effectively pursue the interests of Ghanaians.
He assured Ghanaians that the NDC Majority would prioritize the nation’s welfare and fulfill its parliamentary duties with integrity.
“Oftentimes, the people of Ghana have blamed Parliament for not standing up for them, but obviously, you can’t blame the NDC Minority because we did not have a working majority. Today, we have the working majority, and we will begin the process to reset our country,” he noted.
Dr Forson announced that the NDC MPs will officially transition to the majority side of the House on Tuesday and begin the process of electing a new Second Deputy Speaker. Additionally, the NDC Majority will assume control of key parliamentary committees to ensure effective oversight and implement policies that benefit the people.
“The NDC stands for Ghanaians any day and time,” he affirmed.
Ato Forson expressed gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament for upholding the Constitution and reflecting the people’s will. “We thank the Speaker for respecting the Constitution and standing with the people of Ghana,” he said.
But the now Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Speaker of Parliament of acting in favour of the NDC.
Addressing the media after the walkout, Mr Afenyo-Markin criticised the Speaker’s actions as biased, alleging that the move was intended to benefit the NDC.
“It is so clear that what the Speaker did was to give advantage to the NDC and do the bidding of the NDC,” he said.
The ruling party, now sitting in the Minority, announced that it will boycott parliamentary proceedings until the matter is resolved by the Supreme Court.
Mr Afenyo-Markin expressed dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s interpretation of the Constitution, stating that the Speaker had no right to interpret the Constitution.
Source: myjoyonline.com
