Speaker of the House, Alban Bagbin has made a joke about cutting off the hand of a legislator.
Bagbin was making reference to the Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin‘s habit of fling his hand during debates when he is not in support with a topic being discussed in the House.
“Deputy Majority Leader, one day I will give a directive that this your hand that you’ve been swinging, it be cut off,” Bagbin said as members on both sides, including the affected MP, broke into laughter.
The incident happened on Thursday, March 23, 2023; during an extended sitting of the House.
Lawmakers were busily debating the Appointments Committee report on six recently vetted nominees and Bagbin had called on the Minority Leader to make his submissions when he saw Afenyo-Markin’s gesture and commented on same.
Both sides had been granted three slots to speak to the report with the Majority making a strong case for approval even as the Minority vowed to reject the nominations on grounds that the current size of government was too big vis-à-vis the economic downturn.
Voting on the report will be held today when the House reconvenes for business.
Ministerial nominees awaiting approval or rejection:
The nominees include:
a. Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Kwabena Tahir Hammond as Minister-designate for Trade and Industry
b. Abetifi MP, Brian Acheampong for Minister of Agriculture and
c. Stephen Asamoah Boateng who has been nominated for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
d. Former deputy Energy Minister, Mohammed Amin Adam as Minister of State at the Finance Ministry
e. Osei Bonsu Amoah for Minster of state at the Local Government Ministry and
f. Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, Dr Stephen Amoah for Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry.