The Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Bia East, Richard Acheampong, has accused the Minority in Parliament of deliberately disrupting proceedings to frustrate government business.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Acheampong alleged that the Minority resorted to such tactics after failing to secure the opportunity to move a motion on the floor of Parliament.
“All they wanted was to move a motion as the Minority, and they didn’t get the opportunity. So they are using their anger to destroy government work and that is exactly what they are doing,” he said.
He explained that parliamentary work is carefully structured, with adequate time allocated for committee engagements, while plenary sessions operate within strict timelines.
“Committee work will never suffer because committees have ample time to work. It is the chamber work that has limited time,” he noted.
Mr. Acheampong revealed that prior to sittings, both Majority and Minority MPs often meet with the Speaker to discuss the day’s business and build consensus.
“Before we even enter the chamber, we meet the Speaker, discuss the work, and even socialise because we are all colleagues. We usually agree on issues beforehand, but sometimes they come to the floor and say the opposite, which is very bad,” he stated.
He further accused the Minority of attempting to play to public perception rather than focusing on parliamentary responsibilities.
“Some just want to speak to the gallery instead of helping Parliament do its work,” he added.
According to him, Parliament is expected to adjourn soon, making it critical for government business to be completed within the available time.
“Parliament will rise whether we like it or not. If you have a bill and you are unable to pass it, committee work may continue, but government business in the chamber will suffer,” he stressed.
Mr. Acheampong also linked the Minority’s actions to recent political activities, claiming their frustrations from a protest influenced their conduct in Parliament.
“The Minority just wants government work to suffer,” he said.
His comments come after a sitting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was suspended about an hour and a half into its session due to a lack of quorum in Parliament.
The development has sparked concerns over low turnout for government business, with the Minority repeatedly calling on the Speaker to address the issue.
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