File[/caption] Speaker of Parliament Reverend Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye on Tuesday suspended sitting after few members turned up for business. The members did not form a quorum leaving the Speaker with little option than to suspend sitting. The decision was taken after Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central Constituency, Mahama Ayariga, drew the attention of leadership that the members present before start of proceedings could not legitimately deliberate on issues as they did not form a quorum. He pointed out the absence of even the Majority Leader and his deputy to respond to his concerns. As of 10:30am when the Right Honourable Speaker walked into the chamber, there were less than 50 members, our correspondent Komla Klutse said. Members were expected to continue deliberation on the 2020 budget statement and government’s financial policy.
Minority Chief Whip Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak said even the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who is constitutionally mandated to be present is absent. None of his deputies was also present, the Asawase MP pointed out. But he admitted that the Minister was in the House throughout deliberations on Monday. Speaker Oquaye condemned the poor attendance and gave his verdict: “I will suspend sitting and meet with the leaders.” The House is expected to return after an hour. Source: 3news.com|Ghana]]>