News:
July 14, 2014
The Minority in Parliament has accused President John Mahama of undermining Parliament following the announcement of a Constitutional Instrument, which is seeking to set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the performance of the Black Stars at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the scandals it generated.
According to the caucus, the President’s action which they described as unfortunate and disappointing was meant to stifle debate in Parliament, which is a House of debate.
Minister of Youth and Sports Minister, Mahama Ayariga on Monday announced details of the CI on the floor of Parliament while opposing a motion moved by Hon. Isaac Asiamah calling for the establishment of a bi-partisan Commission of Enquiry to probe the scandal that hit Black Stars in Brazil.
Hon. Ayariga informed Parliament about the elevation of a three member committee charged to investigate happenings in the World Cup into a presidential Commission of Enquiry.
The Speaker Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho who was surprised over the turn of events criticized President Mahama for displaying “bad faith” by issuing CI 82 to set up a Commission of Enquiry to probe the Black Stars scandal.
According to him, he was informed about the CI 82 only while on his way to work Monday morning, an act of “bad faith” by the executive.
Earlier the Speaker declined a proposed counter motion which sought to amend the minority’s motion.
The original motion as moved by Asiamah reads “That this Honourable House sets up a bipartisan Parliamentary Committee of Enquiry to investigate events and activities before, during and after Ghana’s preparation and participation in Brazil 2014.”
However the failed amendment motion, filed by Chairman of the Youth and Sports Committee, Kobena Mensah Woyome, reads “That this honourable House request the Ministry of Youth and Sports to submit its report on the administrative inquiry into the Black Stars participation in the FIFA World Cup 2014 tournament in Brazil after completion of its work and further that this House sets up an Ad Hoc Committee to look into same to enable Parliament make an informed decision.”
At the end of the debate 96 Majority MPs as against 76 Minority MPs voted to dismiss a Minority motion calling for a Parliamentary probe into the Black Stars in Brazil Scandal.
Following the result of the vote, President John Mahama is strengthened to set up his Commission of Enquiry.
A large section of the public has called on government to probe activities of the former Minister for Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, his Deputy and officials of the Ghana football Association (GFA) after a litany of scandals characterized the team’s participation in the world cup.
Ghanamps.gov.gh