Bagbin Scolds Afenyo-Markin: ‘We Are Not In A Shouting Battle’ [VIDEO]
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has scolded the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during a parliamentary session, emphasising that discussions in the House should not be about who can shout the loudest.
Speaker Bagbin’s comments came in response to Mr Afenyo-Markin’s argument over the format in which the Budget Statement should be presented—whether as a motion or merely a statement.
The Minority Leader debating on the floor of Parliament prior to the 2024 Budget presentation insisted that the matter was a well-founded application, a stance supported by the Deputy Minority Whip, who he claimed was being intimidated by Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga.
Bagbin, in response, asserted that procedural correctness had been followed regarding the presentation of the government’s Budget Statement and economic policy.
He stated that the order indicates that the statement of revenue and expenditure estimates must be presented in a specific format; thus, a statement.
“I’ve heard, and I think, in terms of procedure, the right thing has been done. The order clearly states that the estimates of revenue and expenditure must be presented as a statement. The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the government shall be presented to the House by the Minister responsible for Finance on behalf of or on the authority of the President,” Bagbin clarified.
The Speaker cautioned, “Honorable Minority Leader, you are not in a shouting battle, please. This is the House, and the only way the House can determine the format of the statement is when it is officially presented. The House cannot decide on this matter outside of a formal sitting.”
Credit: Emma Ankrah
