The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to apologize to the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for referring to him as a “superintendent of chaos.”
Mr Afenyo-Markin made the comment during a press conference at Parliament House after Speaker Bagbin adjourned proceedings indefinitely on Thursday, November 7, citing a lack of business due to the absence of NPP members in the House.
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Speaking on the development, Mr Ablakwa defended the Speaker’s decision, arguing that with the absence of the committee responsible for the rescheduled session and a lack of order papers, there was no reason to keep MPs waiting in the chamber.
“Afenyo-Markin used very caustic language on the Speaker, virtually labelling us warlords and suggesting that the Speaker was superintending chaos. But was it the Speaker who asked you [NPP MPs] not to show up?” Ablakwa asked.
“The Speaker followed constitutional protocol, convening Parliament upon receiving the notice with your signatures to trigger the recall. He waited for you for more than an hour, yet you didn’t show up. Mr Afenyo-Markin should be apologizing to the Speaker, not berating him.”
Ablakwa condemned the actions of the NPP caucus as “childish,” likening their behaviour to a “Tom and Jerry” game that undermines the credibility of Parliament.
He further indicated that every recall, especially during renovations, incurs significant costs, as Parliament must rent private facilities for sessions, leading to substantial financial waste.
“In the midst of our national crisis, this back-and-forth, these ‘Tom and Jerry games,’ and childish theatrics will do nothing to help.
You don’t come to the chamber, then you wait on the sidelines to pounce on us and hold press conferences once we leave.
This latest adjournment comes amid ongoing tensions between the Majority and Minority caucuses over which side is the majority in the House.
This has derailed parliamentary proceedings in recent weeks.
With the indefinite adjournment, it remains uncertain when Parliament will reconvene to address stalled issues, leaving the legislative agenda for this session in a state of flux.