The Minority Caucus in Parliament has vehemently denounced the actions of Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission, Ms. Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, toward the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, deeming her conduct a grave affront to parliamentary authority.They are demanding firm disciplinary measures against Ms.

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Hardcastle, accusing her of attempting to belittle the Minority Chief Whip’s authority and using what they described as inappropriate language against a senior legislator.The controversy arose from an incident on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, when Ms. Hardcastle allegedly made derogatory remarks about Annoh-Dompreh in connection with his parliamentary responsibilities. Reports indicate that she labeled his actions concerning Dr.

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Edward Omane Boamah as “silly.”The matter was subsequently brought before Parliament by Annoh-Dompreh, prompting a rare moment of bipartisan condemnation from lawmakers on both sides of the House.In a statement issued on January 29, the Minority Caucus cited the landmark case of K. T. Hammond v.

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William Ampem-Darko, which reaffirmed that no individual, regardless of rank, has the right to verbally or physically attack a Member of Parliament for carrying out their official duties.The Caucus underscored the importance of upholding Parliament’s long-standing commitment to preserving the privileges and dignity of its members.

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They also outlined specific steps they believe are necessary to protect the integrity of the Legislature and prevent future infractions.The caucus is demanding that “appropriate sanctions under our Standing Orders, including fines, imprisonment, restriction from parliamentary precincts, and mandatory public apology, will be applied with appropriate severity to reflect the gravity of this offence.”

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