Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin clashed with Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga on Tuesday over the use of the Dispatch Box to ask parliamentary questions.
The contention arose when the Minority leader took to the Dispatch Box to pose his question, only for the Majority Leader to challenge the decision, arguing it was procedurally inappropriate.
Afenyo-Markin, however, mounted a defence, insisting that no Standing Order prohibits a member, particularly a caucus leader, from using the Dispatch Box to ask questions.
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“Mr. Speaker, it is my case that the invitation by you to allow me to use the Dispatch Box to ask my question is not founded on any rule. I have combed through the rules. Where the Standing Orders intend to make something mandatory, it says so in express terms. The Dispatch Box on this side belongs to the Minority caucus,” he stated.
He argued that Order 88(2), which governs the asking and answering of questions, merely states that a member shall rise to ask a question. He emphasised that the Order does not specify that the member must rise in their place.
“There is no express provision that when a member files a question and the minister is present, the member must necessarily stand in his place. This Dispatch Box to your left belongs to this side of the House—leaders and members with the leave of the Speaker can use it,” he added.
He pointed to what he said were precedents and practices in other Commonwealth parliaments.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga had objected to the Minority Leader’s use of the Dispatch Box, claiming it was inconsistent with parliamentary tradition. According to Ayariga, the Dispatch Box is not traditionally used for questions but for statements or ministerial addresses.
While Ayariga did not cite a specific Standing Order that prohibits its use for questions, his opposition sparked a broader discussion on precedent and procedure.
Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who was presiding, sought clarity from both leaders and reminded the House that the Speaker’s discretion under Standing Order 115 allows members to be granted permission to speak from places other than their seats.
“Order 115 provides that a member who intends to speak shall rise in the member’s place… but this is subject to the discretion of the Speaker,” the Deputy Speaker said.