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The People’s National Convention (PNC) has alleged that the Minority in Parliament is causing financial loss to the state by boycotting parliamentary proceedings in solidarity with two caucus members facing trials. In a statement released on Friday, July 7, and signed by the party’s General Secretary, Janet Asana NaJbla, the PNC condemned this action and urged the Finance Minister to impose a surcharge on all Minority members for the days they are absent from the House.
While acknowledging the Minority’s freedom to express support for their fellow members, the statement complained about their decision to boycott parliamentary sittings because of criminal charges faced by their colleague. The PNC noted that an opposition party, which claims to uphold the rule of law, should have confidence in the nation’s legal system, especially considering its previous tenure in power.
The statement pointed out that the Minority’s absence from parliamentary business to attend court proceedings for their colleague resulted in financial loss to the state. The PNC questioned how long the Minority intended to continue this boycott, highlighting the burden it placed on taxpayers.
The People’s National Convention emphasized that the politicization of criminal proceedings should not be encouraged at any level. As lawmakers, they expected the Minority to show their commitment to the rule of law as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
The Minority in Parliament had previously announced their decision to abstain from parliamentary proceedings on days when James Gyakye Quayson, the Member of Parliament for Assin North, was scheduled to appear in court for his ongoing criminal prosecution. In a show of solidarity, Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the entire Minority caucus would accompany Mr. Quayson to court and not participate in House business on those days. This decision aimed to protest what the Minority perceived as ongoing persecution against Mr. Quayson.
On Thursday, July 6, the Minority showed their support by skipping the House’s meeting, standing in solidarity with their two caucus members. James Gyakye Quayson and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson were scheduled to appear in court on that day for their respective cases. Dr. Ato Forson is under investigation for an alleged financial loss of €2.37 million to the state, with the central focus being the procurement of 200 ambulances between 2014 and 2016.
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Source: Omanghana.com
