The opposition People’s National Convention (PNC) is worried the decision by the Minority in Parliament to boycott proceedings in solidarity with some colleague members is tantamount to causing financial loss to the state.
The PNC has, therefore, urged the Finance Minister to surcharge all members of the Minority on days they will be absent from the House.
This was contained in a statement issued by PNC’s General Secretary Janet Asana Nabla on Friday, July 7.
The statement said inasmuch as the Minority has every right to express support for any member, “the decision to boycott sitting due to criminal charges instituted by the republic against their colleague is worrying”.
“An opposition party which professes to believe in the rule of law is expected to have faith in the legal system of our nation where they held the reins of power some few years ago,” the statement indicated.
“The Minority Members in Parliament at this moment is causing financial loss to the state by abandoning their Parliamentary business to go to court to protest for their colleague.
“For how long will the Minority in Parliament continue this boycott of parliamentary sitting at the expense of the tax payer?”
The PNC said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lawmakers should as well boycott parliamentary proceedings as well for their constituents who are facing trials.
“As legislators, we expect them to demonstrate their commitment to rule of law as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
“Politicization of criminal proceedings must not be encouraged at all levels if we seek to hold the tenet of rule of law.”
It urged civil society including the media to call the NDC MPs to order.
The Minority’s resolve to boycott proceedings is in solidarity with leader Dr Ato Baah Forson, Asutifi South MP Collins Dauda and Assin North’s James Gyakye Quayson.
