Following the altercation between Nsawam Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annor Dompreh and the Acting CEO for the Petroleum Commission, Emeafa Hardcastle, various reactions have occurred on social media. The Former government spokesperson on Governance and security, Dr Palgrave Boakye Danquah, is the latest to join calls for sanctions to be meted out.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced plans to summon Emeafa Hardcastle, for questioning on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
The decision comes after a widely circulated video showed a confrontation between Annoh-Dompreh and Hardcastle during a recess at the Appointments Committee’s vetting session on January 28.
Annoh-Dompreh formally petitioned the Speaker, calling for consequential actions and requesting the formation of the Privileges Committee, describing the incident as an unprovoked attack on his reputation as a legislator.
According to Palgrave Boakye Danquah, he hopes and prays that some sanctions are meted out beyond apologies as appointees must realize that service must be in Humility.
Here are excerpts of what he wrote on his social media handles
OMG – I have been pondering over the use of such words from a CEO who is yet to be confirmed by the Public Services Commission- Ag. Petroleum Commission. Last week I made a post to the Public Services Commission to SCRUTINIZE all appointments and be sure that each one is fit for purpose in accordance to the act of recruitment into public service. I am sure she has realized the backlash of her behavior. I have noticed that on the floor of the house of PARLIAMENT, members of the Majority are pleading clemency.
Any person who—
(e) assaults, obstructs, molests or insults any member going to or returning from or being within the precincts of Parliament; ….
commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine or to imprisonment.
Parliament Act, 1965 (Act 300), specifically under Section 28,
But this brings us to a broader conversation of Values. We need to have a strong value driven society. We have celebrated so many people who use harsh words on public people, leaders, and persons of interest who serve the public. Citizens can insult Presidents (sitting and former) and the list is endless.
I recall in 2008 when I was doing my post graduate in South Africa, I studied the 8 values that President Mandela modeled South Africa after, especially post apartheid.
I hope and pray that we start with some sanctions beyond apologies. People must soon realize that service must be in Humility.
There is many more I want to write ✍️. But let me pause here. I am calling for a VALUE DRIVEN GHANA.
