I won’t blame Minority for ‘stifled’ govt business in Parliament – Osei-Owusu

Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, argues that it is unfair to accuse the Minority for the alleged stifling of government business in Parliament.

Last week, MP absenteeism worsened, prompting the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Amoako Asiamah, to charge the leadership of both Caucuses with ensuring that their members are present in Parliament when business is conducted.

The Bekwai lawmaker stated over the weekend on the Joy FM current affairs program News File that the Majority members can establish a quorum in the absence of the Minority, so he would not blame the Minority for the failure to conduct business in the House.

"If, for the sake of argument, the Minority decides not to attend Parliament for the remainder of the year, the Majority has sufficient numbers to conduct business in the chamber."

"Therefore, I will not blame the Minority for any business failures."

If there is a failure to conduct business, it is because 92 Members of Parliament must be present in order to conduct business, and 138 Members are required to make a decision.

The Minority members of the House also accuse the Majority members of deserting Parliament to join Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia's national campaign team.