MP Slaps MP

..Later Apologizes
Minority condemns incident as "unparliamentary"
Accra, July 26, GNA - Mr Ibrahim Tanko Rauf, the MP who slapped his colleague on the floor of Parliament just before the Speaker came in on Thursday, has apologised to his colleague, the nation, Parliament and all MPs for his "act of indiscretion".

"I wish to unreservedly apologise to my colleague friend, Hon. Sampson Ahi for the unfortunate act of indiscretion on my part towards him this morning. I particularly apologise to his constituents, the hardworking citizens of Juaboso constituency," he said in a signed statement in Accra.

Mr Rauf, NDC MP for Yagaba/Kubori, wrote: "I further apologise to my colleague Hon. Members of Parliament, Parliament as an institution, my party and the nation as a whole....I sincerely regret it." He said as mortal, he was not infallible and therefore admitted his conduct was unparliamentary and sincerely regretted it.

The Minority in Parliament had already condemned Mr Rauf who was seen slapping Mr Ahi, NDC MP for Juaboso, on Thursday just before proceedings began in the House.

In a statement signed by Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader, the Minority described it as "an unfortunate incident" saying it wished to "express its indignation at the unparliamentary conduct of Hon. Ibrahim Rauf Tanko towards Hon. Sampson Ahi...following a misunderstanding between them".

"The Minority wishes to condemn the conduct of the honourable member outright," it said.

"(However) the conduct is being investigated by the leadership as a matter of urgency," the Minority added.

Mr Tanko was seen slapping Mr Ahi on the floor in the Chamber when proceedings were yet to begin. But for the timely intervention of colleague MPs from the minority NDC side, what appeared like an exchange between the two could have escalated into a fight.

Members of both the majority and minority sides were waiting for the arrival of the Speaker when all of a sudden the sound of a slap was heard from the direction of the minority NDC side.

Shortly after the incident, Mr Ibrahim got up went out of the House accompanied by some NDC MPs.

A number of the MPs have expressed utter shock at the incident.