Bodi MP, Samson Ahi, has criticized the current minority in Parliament for opting for disorder instead of coordinated boycotts when expressing opposition.

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He argued that this approach has disrupted parliamentary activities and made governance more challenging.

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“The normal parliamentary practice is that if a group does not support a certain course of action, they will register their displeasure by walking out. But this current Minority will not stage a walkout; instead, they will make the place ungovernable. They ensure that nothing can proceed,” he mentioned this while appearing before the panel examining the vetting disorder.

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He lamented the lack of an immediate remedy for this tactic, highlighting that while exiting the chamber is the most suitable form of protest, the minority continues to reject that option.

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“Unless security intervenes, which I do not recommend, it will be difficult to maintain order in the chamber,” he added.

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Mr. Ahi proposed that Parliament implement well-defined measures to regulate behavior during crucial discussions.

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He noted that the Privileges Committee has the mandate to address disorder, providing members with a platform to report cases of misconduct.

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“If a member’s conduct disrupts parliamentary proceedings, a complaint can be lodged on the floor. If the Speaker finds merit in the complaint, the matter is referred to the Privileges Committee, which has the authority to recommend sanctions,” he explained.

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Mr Ahi underscored that the Privileges Committee’s dormancy has hindered the enforcement of parliamentary rules. He emphasized the urgent need to reestablish the committee to restore order and accountability.

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On Thursday, January 30, turmoil erupted during the Appointments Committee’s vetting of President Mahama’s ministerial nominees, escalating tensions in the chamber.

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The confrontation between the majority and minority factions led to property damage, prompting Speaker Alban Bagbin to establish a special committee to probe the incident.

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