February 18, 2011

Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, has apologized for his refusal to escort President Mills out of Parliament as protocol demands after the President’s State of the Nation Address.

He explained that the Minority was forced to embark on that action as a sign of their discontent at President Mills’ failure to recognize former President Kufuor and other distinguished personalities during his address, despite their protestations.

The leadership of the Minority yesterday in an unprecedented move in parliament, refused to accompany the President out of the chamber after his address.

Speaking on Joy FM’s super morning show on Friday 17th February 2011, the Minority Leader who is also the Member of Parliament for Suame stated that it is not in his nature to be disrespectful to the President in any way.

He said the unfortunate incident was triggered spontaneously after the President Mills’ action that he thought was unpardonable but he nonetheless apologizes unreservedly to the President.

“ I have personally spoken to the President and have apologized to him for what happened and we have both assured ourselves that such an unfortunate incident will not reoccur’’, he said.

President John Evans Attah Mills while addressing the Castle press corps after the state of the nation address apologized for his inability to acknowledge the ex-President Kufour and the Chief Justice explaining that it was not intentional that he left out the dignitaries but was only following protocol.

He has since called both ex-President Kufour and the Chief Justice on phone personally to apologize to them for the over sight.

Story by : Kwadwo Anim/ghanamps.gov.gh