Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central, Dr. Rashid Pelpuo, has defended Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin against allegations made by Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who claimed Bagbin’s actions were disrupting order in Parliament.
The controversy began when Speaker Bagbin adjourned a parliamentary session, citing the absence of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members, which left the session without quorum. Afenyo-Markin responded, stating that the NPP’s absence was due to procedural disputes rather than a lack of responsibility.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV, Dr. Pelpuo urged Afenyo-Markin to reconsider his comments, arguing that Bagbin has been responsibly fulfilling his role as Speaker.
Mr Pelpuo emphasized the importance of creating a dedicated forum within Parliament for addressing procedural and legal concerns, especially in light of recent Supreme Court rulings that influence legislative proceedings.
“You (Afenyo-Markin) are accusing the speaker of being chaotic or for presiding over chaos. He should withdraw that…Before the speaker can say anything we have to set a certain forum for him to be able to do that.
“What is wrong if you even come and sit in the minority place and then bring up the issue of the Supreme Court ruling and ask the speaker to do the ruling so that they can change and the speaker refuses?
“You cite him for contempt, you cite him for presiding over chaos. You have done nothing like that you go out you are standing behind the scenes and then you are accusing somebody who has done nothing wrong. So far the speaker has done nothing wrong. He is just doing his job as the speaker,” he stated.