We will act to protect Ghana's democracy - Minority

Accra, Feb. 10, GNA - The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority in Parliament on Monday affirmed its determination and attempts to act as a bulwark to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the people and to protect Ghana's fledging democracy in view of what it described as "the emerging signs of creeping dictatorship and attempts to stifle the voices of opposition in Parliament."

A statement signed by Mr John Mahama, Minority Spokesman on Communications, said the Minority had expressed regret that its efforts to resolve the rumpus between the Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Leader have been thwarted.

It said: "...the Minority's effort have been thwarted as a result of a deliberate attempt to make it impossible for the Minority Leader to read a statement on the floor of the House which it is expected will bring the! matter to closure."

The statement said the laws of natural justice and the rules and practice of the House demanded that the Minority Leader Mr Alban Bagbin be allowed to respond to allegations made by Mr Peter Ala Adjetey, the Speaker of Parliament impugning his (Minority Leader) integrity. It said they also expressed disappointment that despite the fact that the Speaker had properly admitted the statement on the floor and had overruled a point of order raised by the Member of Parliament, Okaikwei North, Mr Joseph Darko-Mensah subsequent argument on the Majority side contrary to Standing Order 98 made it impossible for the Minority Leader to make his statement.

"The Minority caucus has resolved that the Minority Leader proceed to make the statement upon the resumption of sitting of Parliament on Wednesday and it is our hope that in the interest of ensuring that the business of the House continues in the spirit of the cooperation and consensus, all effor ts will be made to allow the Minority Leader to respond to the slur cast on his integrity," it said.

The Minority on Thursday walked out of Parliament when the Speaker after alluding impropriety to the Mr Bagbin failed to accord him the right to respond to the accusation.

On the next day when the Speaker allowed Mr Bagbin to make a statement on the issue the Majority through heckling made it impossible for him to speak.

Papa Owusu-Ankoma, Majority Leader, has indicated that consultations were going on to ensure that the work in the House resumed orderly.