The Majority in Parliament faced strong criticism from the Minority for accusing them, along with Speaker Alban Bagbin, of hindering government operations.
Bagbin stopped the approval process for the government’s latest ministerial nominees, citing an interlocutory injunction from South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Etse K. Dafeamekpor, which prevents Parliament from confirming new ministerial appointments.
This action followed a presidential letter advising against forwarding the anti-gay bill to the president for assent.
The Majority expressed surprise at Bagbin’s decision, arguing that the presidency’s decision does not diminish Parliament’s authority.
In a statement, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that the President deserves respect for the legal injunctions pending before the Supreme Court.
In response to the Majority, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, in a statement dated March 21, 2024, alleged that the Majority had become entangled in its own tactics.
The Minority accused the Majority of orchestrating a deliberate propaganda campaign to sway public opinion.
“After falling on its own dagger in Parliament on Wednesday, our attention has been drawn to a mischievous statement issued by the Majority Caucus blaming the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus for the development in Parliament.
“It is bizarre and unfortunate that the Majority Caucus accuses Mr. Speaker of arbitrariness and falsely claims that the Speaker and the Minority are sabotaging so-called government business.
“The Majority Caucus is engaged in deliberate distortions and grand propaganda to whip up public sentiments against the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the Minority Caucus with these false claims.”
“Finally, we salute the Rt. Hon Speaker for his distinguished leadership and the very competent manner in which he continues to guide Parliament.”