News:
January 29, 2025
The Minority is calling for a deceive action against Victoria Hardcastle Emeafa Acting Chief Executive of the Petroleum Commission for her contemptuous conduct when he came to the Appointment Committee yesterday, Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
According to the Minority the conduct of the Petroleum Commission head was one of the most flagrant attacks on parliamentary dignity in recent memory and demands an appropriately stern response from the House.
Hardcastle’s attempt to direct the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annor-Dompreh, on the execution of his parliamentary duties, coupled with her unconscionable description of a senior Member of Parliament as “silly”, constitutes an egregious assault on parliamentary authority that cannot go unchallenged. Such strikes are conducted at the very foundation of our democracy and must be met with the full force of parliament.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The matter is particularly concerning as it comes mere weeks after President Mahama called on his appointees to eschew “arrogance or disrespect” towards the people of Ghana in their public service.
And when this matter was raised on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday by Hon. Annor- Dompreh, the overwhelming bipartisan condemnation demonstrated Parliament’s united stance against such contemptuous behaviour. Members from both sides of the House expressed justified outrage at this blatant display of disrespect towards the Legislature.
The Rt. Hon Speaker’s decision to personally hear representations from both parties on Thursday, 30th January 2025, given the current absence of a constituted Committee on Privileges and Immunities, underscores the gravity of this matter. We anticipate that Friday’s report or ruling by the Speaker will send an unmistakable message of deterrence to all public officials and indeed any person who might contemplate similar contemptuous conduct in the future.
Throughout the Fourth Republic, various Parliaments have demonstrated their resolve in dealing decisively with contempt cases. The sanctity of parliamentary proceedings and the protection of Members in the discharge of their duties are not mere ceremonial considerations but fundamental and unshakeable pillars of our democratic governance.
Furthermore the Minority leadership maintained that Ms Hardcastle’s conduct represents an intolerable breach of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House, demanding exemplary sanctions.
Parliament must send a clear, unequivocal message that any attempt to undermine its authority or dignity will face severe consequences; public officials must understand that interaction with Parliament and its Members demands the highest standards of decorum and respect.
“We expect that the appropriate sanctions under our Standing Orders, including fines, imprisonment, restriction from parliamentary precincts, and mandatory public apology, will be applied with appropriate severity to reflect the gravity of this offence.”
As we await the Speaker’s determination on Friday, we call on all stakeholders to note that this case will set a crucial precedent for future interactions between public officials and Parliament. The dignity of Parliament is non-negotiable, and those who choose to assault it must face commensurate consequences, they added.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com