Deputy Minority Whip in Parliament, Habib Iddrisu, clashed with First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor on Friday when the speaker ordered him to resume his seat and warned him against disorderly conduct in the chamber.
The disagreement occurred when Mr Iddrisu, while seeking clarification from Majority Leader James Agalga on the time the Finance Minister would present the 2027 Budget to Parliament next Thursday, veered off and began pontificating on unrelated matters.
The Deputy Minority Whip said knowing the exact time of the presentation would help Members of Parliament plan their activities, particularly in view of the budget workshop scheduled for the following week.
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However, his contribution quickly shifted from seeking clarification on the parliamentary programme to questioning the government’s economic performance under the Finance Minister.
The Deputy Whip accused the government of presenting what he described as a “paper economy” while ordinary Ghanaians continue to struggle with the cost of living.
He argued that although official economic indicators appeared encouraging, the situation facing households and businesses remains difficult.
“When I say pocket economy, I’m talking about an economy that you inherited with diesel at 14 cedis, and now it is 18 to 19 cedis,” he said.
He cited increases in electricity tariffs and water prices, arguing that the government’s economic narrative does not reflect the financial difficulties confronting ordinary citizens.
“When I talk about pocket economy, it is when you increase electricity by 24%. When I talk about pocket economy, it is about increasing water to 25 cedis,” Mr Iddrisu added.
His remarks, however, prompted an intervention from First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, who reminded him that the House is considering the Business Statement and not debating the national budget or the government’s economic performance.
“Honourable Habib, with all due respect, we are taking comments on the Business Statement, but we are not debating any budget. So kindly limit yourself to the comment,” Mr Ahiafor cautioned.
Mr Iddrisu maintained that his comments are connected to the scheduled budget presentation and sought to draw the Majority Leader’s attention to recent public statements by the Finance Minister about a new economic direction.
He questioned the government’s reference to a “New Economy”, comparing it to what he described as the unsuccessful 24-hour economy policy.
“The new economy is the same thing as a new 24-hour economy that has failed,” he declared.
The exchange prompted another warning from Mr Ahiafor, who insisted that parliamentary rules must be applied strictly to prevent members from departing from the subject under consideration.
“The indication is that we need to apply the rules stringently. So, please, I think you are out of order,” the First Deputy Speaker ruled.
Mr Iddrisu attempted to continue his submission, incurring the chagrin of the First Deputy Speaker, who eventually directed the Deputy Minority Whip to resume his seat.
“Honourable Habib, you are completely out of order. Please, kindly resume your seat,” he said. “The indication is that we will no longer tolerate disorderly conduct,” Mr Ahiafor cautioned.