Minority slams Speaker over ‘arbitrary’ suspension of Parliament

The Minority caucus in Parliament has expressed disappointment in the suspension of Parliament, a decision it claims was taken single-handedly by Speaker Mike Oquaye without recourse to its members as required by law.

Leader of the caucus Haruna Iddrisu said what the Right Honourable Speaker has done is the “gravest ever threat to parliamentary democracy in Ghana and an assault on the Minority in Parliament”.

Speaker Oquaye suspended sitting on Saturday, April 4 when the House was due to rise.

He indicated that the decision was taken in collaboration with leaders of both caucuses as a result of the threat of the deadly coronavirus disease.

“We are not in normal times,” he said as he announced the unprecedented decision.

But speaking to journalists after the decision to suspend, Member of Parliament for Tamale South Constituency said the Speaker did not consult him let alone the members of the House as required in suspending sittings.

“He simply doesn’t respect due process. He simply doesn’t respect rule of law.”

Apparently, the Speaker marked his 76th birthday on April 4.

“Professor Mike Oquaye on his birthday has become a walking illegality,” Haruna Iddrisu slammed.

“I found his conduct to be profoundly disappointing.”