Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe preventing minority leader from performing his constitutional duties as MP - Minority
The Minority in Parliament has announced their decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings whenever their leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is required to attend court sessions for the ongoing ambulance trial.
This decision comes in response to the refusal of the presiding High Court judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, to grant a request from Dr. Ato Forson's lawyers for a leave of absence to attend important parliamentary business on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, when the House resumes its third meeting of the fourth session.
In a press statement issued by the NDC MPs and signed by Chief Whip Governs Agbodza, they expressed their discontent with the judge's refusal of an earlier request by Parliament for Dr. Ato Forson to participate in a crucial Parliamentary Service Board meeting, among other legislative activities.
The statement emphasised that the Minority Leader is expected to deliver a resumption address, engage with the press, and perform other significant duties as part of his legislative mandate, which he will be unable to fulfill due to the court proceedings.
The Minority contends that their decision is aimed at countering what they perceive as an attempt by the trial judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, to impede Dr. Ato Forson's ability to perform his constitutional responsibilities as an elected Member of Parliament and the Leader of the Minority Caucus.
"The NDC Minority Caucus has taken notice of this worrying trend that shows an attempt by the trial judge, Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, to prevent the Minority Leader from performing his constitutional duties as an elected Member of Parliament and the Leader of the Minority Caucus."
"In the light of the above, and the continuous persecution of the Minority Leader, the NDC Minority will continue to solidarise and stand by its Leader anytime he is due to appear in court."
"The NDC Minority Caucus further reserves the right to apply all other tools available to us in our approach to business on the floor," an excerpt of the statement said.
Source: Classfmonline.com
Trending News
Majority controversy: Go to court, don't act in contempt of SC's order – Afenyo-Markin to Ato Forson
15:17We’ll scrap e-levy, betting tax with our new ‘Majority’ status – Ato Forson
17:26Majority boycotts Parliament over Speaker's decision on four MPs
03:10East Legon accident: Dumelo stresses need for speed ramps, responsible parenting
01:19Agric Min announces climate-aware 40th National Farmers’ Day on Nov 8
00:41Bagbin adjourns parliament indefinitely
23:09Gov't inaugurates two new NHIS offices in Western North Region
16:02Dec. 7 polls: Mahama celebrates NDC becoming majority in parliament as ‘historic’ and 'God's sign' of victory
01:322024 NSMQ: Keta SHTS advances to semi-finals, edging out Achimota Sch and Mpraeso SHS
03:17We won’t share in NDC’s ‘lawless theatre’ – Afenyo-Markin
14:46