The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has called on the Members of Parliament (MPs) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be steadfast in their commitment to boycotting parliamentary proceedings.
This comes on the back of Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin’s judgment of declaring four seats vacant which affected Kwadjo Asante, NPP MP for Suhum, Andrew Amoako Asiamah independent member for Fomena, Cynthia Mamle Morrison, NPP MP for Agona West, and Peter Kwakye-Ackah, NDC MP for Amenfi Central.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin the front-runner of government affairs in Parliament has indicated that the Members of Parliament (MPs) for the New Patriotic Party would place an embargo on all parliamentary activities until further notice in protest against Speaker Alban Bagbin’s declaration of four parliamentary seats vacant.
However, Dominic Ayine a former Deputy Attorney General, speaking on Citi Breakfast Show, which was monitored by starrfm.com.gh stated that whether or not the NPP goes through with the snubbing, parliamentary affairs will still continue as it has been scheduled.
He highlighted that the Parliament House would gather again on Tuesday, October 22, and start its procedures whether the NPP MPs appear in Parliament or not.
Mr. Ayine said the NPP has lost its position of being the Majority in Parliament to the minority.
“Majoritarian determination is by numbers and we [NDC] have more numbers than them [NPP] and it is as clear as daylight. We are the Majority and they are the Minority. They [the four lawmakers] are no longer MPs and the marshals [of Parliament] have the right to prevent them from entering Parliament. Their chairs will be empty until the end of this Parliament.”
Mr. Ayine further disclosed that the NDC would take quick action to stop the e-levy once they resume Parliament. He quoted Article 108 of the Constitution and explained that for the introduction of private members’ bills to amend or repeal tax laws, the NDC was ready to utilize this provision to dismantle the e-levy.
“We will sit, and we have more than half the members of Parliament on our side. We will start implementing our manifesto even on Tuesday, so they the NPP should stay off and we will go ahead and repeal the e-levy. Article 108 says that you can use private members’ bills to repeal tax legislation such as the e-levy. The president cannot continue to disrespect certain things and if he refuses such things, they constitute high treason and we can begin impeachment proceedings against him.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Jasmine Adjei Anyetei