Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has emphasized that only the Speaker of Parliament holds the authority to decide which side of the House is designated for the Majority, refuting any claims that other officials or bodies have this power.
In a video circulating online, Annoh-Dompreh is seen heading toward the Parliament Chamber amid accusations from Minority Chief Whip Governs Kwame Agbodza.
Mr Agbodza alleged that Annoh-Dompreh was assisted by security personnel at the Accra International Conference Centre to enter the Chamber early and secure the Majority side.
Addressing these allegations in the video, Annoh-Dompreh responded, saying, “We have also given the strongest indication that we will occupy the Majority side of the House, but the orderliness in the Chamber and the precinct of Parliament lies in the bosom of the Speaker.”
His remarks draw attention to the Speaker’s key role in managing parliamentary seating arrangements and maintaining order, an issue that has gained prominence amid the ongoing dispute over which party controls the majority in Parliament.
During an interview with Nana Tuffour Boateng on Citi FM on Tuesday, October 22, Agbodza revealed that a circular issued on Monday, October 21, indicated that the Chamber doors would only be opened at 8 am.
He accused security personnel of colluding to allow Annoh-Dompreh early access to the Chamber.
The Adaklu MP further stated that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs and Parliament’s security would be responsible if any disruptions occurred when proceedings commenced at 10 am.
“Parliament issued a circular that the Chamber be opened at 8 am and the security apparatus of this country connived and opened the doors for the Annoh-Dompreh to enter the Chamber. I am here and I am seeing him inside with the doors locked and the question is how did he get in there?
“I can’t assure orderliness when Annoh-Dompreh has broken the law and is currently sitting in the Chamber and the security apparatus is not making any attempts to remove him.”