Parliament has approved the 2017 budget of the Akufo-Addo government amidst protest from the minority members of the House.
According to the minority, the House lacked quorum at the time of the budget approval.
The Speaker, however, ignored attempt by leadership of the minority to catch his eyes and went ahead to put the question that led to the approval of the budget.
Registering the minority’s displeasure after proceedings in an interview with Starr News’ Parliamentary correspondent, Ibrahim Alhassan, minority chief whip, Muntaka Mubarak berated the Speaker for exhibiting extreme partisanship.
“As at the time he was putting the question we were 129 in the chamber. We didn’t have the number to conduct that business,” he said, adding “look at where I stand. I think the Speaker is making himself too partisan.”
“With the greatest respect he should move beyond partisanship… and begin to treat as fairly. All we are saying is that just give us our space and then let them have their way. Because our major challenge is that this issue of the Common Fund is a constitutional one and we cannot sit and supervise unconstitutionality,” said Mr. Mubarak.
He said it was sad the budget had been approved under such unfortunate condition.
