I didn’t trigger anger in Parliament – Napo

Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia South, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh has denied being the architect behind Thursday, March 30, 2017, near brawl in Parliament by calling Wumbei Wahab Suhuyini, lawmaker for Tolon a fool.

On Friday, March 31, 2017, the MP for Ningo Prampram accused the Dr. Opoku Prempeh for calling Suhuyini a fool during last night discussions on Joe Ghartey’s Special Committee report on Mahama Ayariga, an act he (Sam George) claims triggered the near brawl in Parliament.

However, Dr. Opoku Prempeh, in a statement copied Kasapafmonline.com described Sam George’s claims scurrilous and unfounded allegations since he never contributed to the discussions on Joe Ghartey’s Committee report.

He said “First I absolutely and unequivocally deny that I used that word on Hon Suhuyini during the proceedings or at any other time in Parliament yesterday. It must be noted that during yesterday’s proceedings, only four Members of Parliament spoke. They are the Majority and Minority Leaders, Hon. Alban Bagbin and Hon. Ayarigah. In any event, whilst the Hansard (a verbatim record of proceedings) relating to yesterday’s proceedings is not yet available, the proceedings were televised live. Clearly I would have been heard by viewers uttering those words if indeed Hon. Sam George heard them, as he sits on the other side of the House. No doubt the Speaker too would have heard and certainly would have swiftly ordered that I withdraw the word. No such thing occurred, as viewers of yesterday’s proceedings would note.

In respect of the claims relating to four weeks ago. per Hon. Sam George, it is clear he was referring to the proceedings of Friday 10th March 2017, when the issue of my attire came up. As would be noted from the records of that day’s proceedings, at no point did I refer to him in the manner he alleges.

I take grave exception to the scurrilous and unfounded allegations by my colleague Member of Parliament. The people of Ghana have reposed utmost confidence in us by electing us to represent them in the House. It is therefore important that at all times we conduct ourselves with decorum to preserve the integrity of the House and to justify that confidence.

I expect Hon. Sam George to do the honourable thing by swiftly apologizing for his unfounded allegation.”