‘Give caucus leaders adequate time to speak before ruling’ – Afenyo-Markin to Bagbin

Parliamentary Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin implored Speaker Alban Bagbin to grant parliamentary caucus leaders sufficient time to voice their perspectives before the House decides on the admissibility of a matter under discussion. During an emergency sitting, Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the issue carried broader implications, affecting Ghana's democratic credibility and international standing.

He noted that both the Ghanaian populace and the global community would be closely observing how Parliament manages the situation.

Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed the importance of the Speaker's consideration of the caucus leaders' viewpoints prior to finalizing a decision. He reiterated that the speakership specifically allocated time for these leaders to address the House on behalf of their respective factions. Afenyo-Markin clarified that the invitation pertained solely to the leaders' presentations for and on behalf of their caucuses.

In Afenyo-Markin's view, allowing the leaders ample time to articulate their arguments would facilitate the Speaker's deliberation, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of all pertinent perspectives. He cautioned that the proceedings were emblematic of the nation's international reputation, particularly in light of recent remarks made by a government official concerning the country's standing among its diplomatic partners.

Afenyo-Markin argued that when the Speaker solicits input to aid in determining the matter's admissibility, those granted the opportunity to contribute must be afforded the chance to present their positions in their entirety. Afenyo-Markin's stance is part of the broader discourse being advanced to the Speaker as he deliberates submissions from both sides of the House before reaching a verdict on the matter.