Heated exchanges rocked Parliament on Tuesday as Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga accused the Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, of using the legislative body to threaten state agencies.
The contention arose during a debate concerning the continued detention of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, Mr. Abdul-Wahab Hanan.
The incident unfolded during a sitting presided over by Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, where the Minority Leader sought to address the issue of Mr. Hanan’s detention for two weeks, reportedly due to his inability to meet a GH¢50 million bail requirement.
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Hon. Afenyo-Markin, the Effutu MP, has consistently raised concerns about Mr. Hanan’s situation, describing his prolonged detention as an injustice and an abuse of state prosecutorial powers. He argued that the GH¢50 million bail condition was excessively punitive.
“For 14 days, a citizen remains in detention simply because he cannot meet an exorbitant GH¢50 million bail. This is a clear affront to justice and human dignity,” the Majority Leader asserted.
However, Hon. Ayariga countered, stating that Parliament was being improperly used to intimidate the executive branch in its duties.
“Mr. Speaker, I find it problematic when this House is used as a platform to intimidate executive arms of government that are undertaking their responsibilities,” Hon. Ayariga declared.
He emphasized that the Constitution provides avenues for citizens to seek redress for alleged rights violations, such as through the courts or the Human Rights Committee of Parliament, rather than resorting to political pressure on the House floor.
“The constitutional remedies are clear for anyone claiming a violation of their rights. The appropriate forum is the courts or a report to the Human Rights Committee of this House – not using this floor for political pressure,” he added.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin vehemently disagreed, cautioning against the introduction of a “strange principle” that would prevent people’s representatives from questioning or raising matters concerning citizens’ rights.
“That the people’s representatives can no longer question or raise matters affecting the rights of citizens will not happen,” he affirmed.
Deputy Speaker Ahiafor intervened, pointing out that the attempt to raise the issue during question time was procedurally incorrect, citing Standing Order 93. He clarified that urgent matters of public importance should be raised during the ‘Statements’ segment of proceedings, not during question time.
“Standing Order 93 allows for urgent matters of public importance to be raised, with comments taken at that time. However, question time is not the appropriate moment for such matters as it may not allow for broader member contributions,” he explained.
The Deputy Speaker called for order and advised the Minority Leader to address the issue at the designated time in the House’s proceedings.