The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, has rebuked Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for what he described as a disturbing trend of turning parliamentary proceedings into press conferences during the presentation of the Business Statement.
Addressing the House on Thursday, July 3, he expressed concern over what he called ‘antics’ that are undermining the solemn work of Parliament, particularly during sessions dedicated to the Business Statement.
“Honourable Members, the rules governing the Business Statement are very clear – Order 71 is explicit. Yet, every time we present the Business Statement, some Members use the opportunity to make comments that are off-topic or not related to supplementary business,” he cautioned.
Also Read: India’s Modi champions deeper partnership with democratic Ghana
The Deputy Speaker raised the concern following remarks by the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, who had earlier lamented the conduct of the Minority Leader and his caucus. According to Hon. Ayariga, Afenyo-Markin’s frequent digressions during the Business Statement session often lead the House into debates unrelated to the agenda, wasting valuable parliamentary time.
Chamber press conference
The Majority Leader described the conduct as a growing tendency to hold “press conferences” on the floor of Parliament, rather than sticking to the scheduled business.
Supporting this concern, the Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central, Hon. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, subtly criticised this approach and urged the Majority to focus on substance rather than the theatrics.
“The Majority Leader started by saying that people have turned the Business Statement into a press conference. So, I was expecting the Minority Leader to respond to the substance and ignore the theatrics,” he said.
“But instead, at the Dispatch Box, he joined those doing the press conference. And that’s not fair. It should not be encouraged. In doing so, he even forgot to answer the specific question I raised,” the NPP MP added.
Hon. Ahiafor questioned the relevance of some of the issues being raised during the Business Statement presentation.
“Whether or not the President will do an appointment—is that a matter to be programmed for this House? A bail condition by EOCO – is that a matter to be programmed by this House?” he asked rhetorically.
“Why are we doing this to ourselves? Every day, it’s as if we’re doing a press conference. The comments should be strictly on the Business Statement as presented.”
He called for renewed discipline and strict adherence to parliamentary rules going forward.
“I owe fidelity to the rules. Going forward, we need to operate within the rules,” the Deputy Speaker warned.
The exchange raises growing frustration in the House over what many see as the misuse of procedural opportunities for political posturing during critical segments of parliamentary proceedings.