Lobby group blasted by MPs

Accra, Nov. 24, GNA - A group, lobbying for the passage of the Domestic Violence Bill, came under heavy criticism from Parliamentarians on Friday who described their behaviour as intimidating and disrespectful.

The MPs, who called for a swift response to the group's behaviour, also vehemently kicked against what they described as derogatory remarks made by a member of the group to the press that: "parliament should be more serious than what they did."

Mr. Kojo Armah, CPP-Evalue-Gwira, who raised the matter, said he had observed the group's unruly behaviour in the gallery on Thursday when they came clad in red arm and headband.

"We do not work under threat," he said drawing the Speaker's attention for action to be taken against the group. The Domestic Violence Bill, which seeks to provide legal protection for marital spouses and children from violence and abuses, went through the second reading in Parliament on Thursday after the process was stalled over disagreement on when to begin the debate on the motion.

During the debate, which began on Thursday, the group walked out apparently in protest over some remarks made on the floor.

Nana Oye Lithur, a Human rights Activist, later told journalists that they walked out to express their protest at the way some Members of Parliament were handling the debate. Mr Stephen Balado-Manu, NPP-Ahafo Ano South, who supported the call for a check on the group's behaviour, said members of Parliament were very vulnerable to attacks from groups or persons who feel aggrieved anytime they feel a debate in Parliament would not go in their favour.

He said it was not right to intimidate Parliament or make the House make laws under pressure.

Mr Mubarak Muntaka, NDC-Asawase, called for a swift response to the group's behaviour, saying the person in the group purported to have said parliament was not serious should be brought to the Privileges Committee.

Mrs Alice Boon, NDC-Lambussie, asked members to calm down and said Parliament should prove to Ghanaians that they were matured and up to the task of passing the bill in the proper manner. According to her, the House should also strive to prove that the men had nothing against the Bill.

Mr. Joseph Yieleh Chireh, NDC-Wa West, said the leadership of Parliament should meet over the matter instead of in giving in to the request that the group be brought to the Privileges Committee.

"We are politicians and people will attack us. We can use the floor to air our frustration."

Mr Felix Owusu Ayagpong, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, said the bill was not meant for only ladies and that some men also suffered in more dangerous circumstances.

Mr Freddy Blay, First Deputy Speaker, who presided, ruled that the matter be handled by the leadership of the House.