Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has compelled the Minority in Parliament not to surrender their efforts to ensure that the House’s Standing Orders are strictly adhered to.
Addressing the party’s youth wing in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, February 5, Mr. Nketia, reiterated that the Minority Caucus should ensure that the right thing is done, even if slapping the 1st Deputy Speaker, Hon Joseph Osei Wusu, will compel him to do the right thing.
“As long as impunity does not stop, resistance has been imposed on us as a duty,” he said.
“So if a Speaker or the Deputy Speaker says he will be a referee as well as be the one to kick the ball for a penalty, and also blow the whistle that a goal has been scored – if a slap will ensure he does not do that, slap him so that he comes back to his senses,”
His comments were in response to a skirmish in Parliament on Monday, December 20, 2021, when the House was debating the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) Bill.
The House was to consider whether or not to accept the E-Levy Bill under a certificate of urgency.
Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, who presided over the meeting, decided to relinquish his place as Speaker in order to vote as the Member of Parliament for Bekwai. The sitting was anticipated to be chaired by the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who had previously cast his vote as MP for Fomena.
Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker, who presided over the meeting, opted to resign as Speaker in order to vote as the Member of Parliament for Bekwai. The sitting was anticipated to be chaired by the Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who had previously cast his vote as MP for Fomena.
The Minority quickly intervened to block the switch of Deputy Speakers. As a result, the Majority side intervened, resulting in a scuffle.
Some MPs struck their fists, while others fell to the ground. Due to the commotion that ensued, the proceedings were subsequently adjourned.
Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia also urged fans of the NDC to adopt a winning mentality, as this is the only way to win the 2024 general election.
“NPP won Hohoe because they adopted a winning attitude although, we know a lot of things didn’t go down well”.
“Factions are affecting the NDC in the Ashanti region; the camp syndrome is affecting the party in the region and must cease immediately,” he added. To wrestle power from your strong opponent, you need to stick together,” he added.
