AFAG Criticizes Minority’s Parliamentary Boycott, Deems it a Bad Precedent

In an interview on Nkwantannanso with George Adjei on July 6, Mr Henry Asante, the Vice Chairman of the Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), a public interest advocacy group, expressed his concerns over the minority’s decision to boycott parliamentary proceedings in solidarity with their colleague, James Gyakye Quayson who has a pending case in court.

He argued that this action sets a negative precedent and raises questions about the commitment of parliamentarians to their duties.

The Vice Chairman of AFAG, highlighted a similar incident involving Adwoa Sarfo, the Member of Parliament for the Dome Kwabenya Constituency, who reportedly spent over a year abroad and neglected her parliamentary duties without facing any disciplinary action.

He pointed out that no motion was moved for her expulsion from parliament, and the Speaker did not take any action regarding her prolonged absence.

Expressing his disagreement with the minority’s boycott on July 6, he questioned the legal basis for their decision.

He argued that if the framers of the 1992 constitution had not included limitations for parliamentary boycotts, it would have allowed parliamentarians to skip parliamentary sessions at their own discretion.

“I totally disagree with the minority. Not that I wish for it to happen, but what if their colleague is eventually convicted? Will they stop coming to parliament? They would have disappointed their constituents,” the Vice Chairman stated.

He further urged the minority to allow the rule of justice to take its course, suggesting that they can show solidarity with their colleague on days when they are not required to attend parliamentary proceedings.

Drawing an analogy, he questioned the logic behind the minority’s boycott, comparing it to a scenario where policemen stop working whenever one of their colleagues has a court case. He argued that such actions set a bad example and urged the minority to reconsider their approach.

He called on Members of Parliament to prioritize the well-being of their constituents, as they are the primary reason they hold their positions.

During the swearing-in ceremony of Mr. Quayson, the Minority Leader, Hon. Ato Forson, expressed their readiness to boycott parliamentary proceedings whenever their beloved Member of Parliament for the Assin North constituency, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson appears in court.

Addressing the Speaker, Hon. Forson stated, “I want to serve notice to the government to respect the verdict of the good people of Assin North constituency and also listen to the appeals of meaningful Ghanaians. If dialogue fails, cooperation will suffer.”