Josiah
Education Minister and Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, has strongly condemned remarks made by Emeafa Hardcastle, the Acting CEO of the Petroleum Commission, against Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Minority Chief Whip of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during a session in Parliament.
Iddrisu called on Hardcastle to issue a public apology, emphasizing that her comments had tarnished Annoh-Dompreh’s reputation.
He also urged the Minority Chief Whip to reconsider his push to have Hardcastle summoned before the Privileges Committee, despite Annoh-Dompreh’s grievances over her remarks in Parliament.
“The Minority Whip’s concern about his reputation being affected is justified. However, Mr. Speaker, as I listened to him, I align with the Honorable MP for Damongo in saying that this House must stand united in condemning the conduct and demanding an apology. That said, we should also encourage our colleague to let this matter rest instead of pursuing it further through the Privileges Committee,” Iddrisu stated.
He further cautioned that non-members of Parliament must recognize the Legislature’s authority to impose sanctions under Article 122 of the 1992 Constitution.
The controversy stems from a widely circulated video in which Hardcastle was heard confronting Annoh-Dompreh, saying:
“You are threatening me that you are taking me on—because who are you? What do you mean by taking me on?”
Annoh-Dompreh responded, “You called us a micro-minority.”
“But you are a micro-minority. Doesn’t Afenyo-Markin himself use that phrase? Don’t bring yourself. I don’t have time for that. You think you can bully me here?” Hardcastle retorted.
Visibly agitated, she was also heard saying, “I don’t care. Not this silly…”
Annoh-Dompreh reacted swiftly, pointing out, “You heard the word she used. She called me silly.”
Source:Omanghana.com
