Consult widely on issues involving Adwoa Safo – Kojo Poku tells NPP
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mr Kwadwo Poku has called on the leadership of the NPP to consult extensively on the issues involving the Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo before a decision is taken on her.
He suggested that the constituents who she represents should be consulted.
Speaking on the New Day show with Berla Mundi on TV3 Wednesday August 17, he said “proper consultation needs to be done, consultation at the national level, the constituents who she represents they should be consulted extensively on her situation.”
Adwoa Safo and two other New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislators were referred to the Privilege’s Committee by the Speaker, Alban Bagbin after receirving a petition against them for absenting themselves form parliamentary duties without permission.
The Committee met Ken Agyapong, MP for Assin Central, and Henry Quartey, Ayawaso Central however, could not meet Adwoa Safo because she was out of the jurisdiction.
In its conclusion, the Committee, by a majority decision, decided that “Hon Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and Hon Henry Quartey admitted having absented themselves for more than the fifteen Sittings threshold. However, the explanations given by Hon Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and Hon Henry Quartey for being absent were found reasonable.
With regards to Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo, in spite of all the efforts made to invite her to attend upon the Committee, the Hon Member did not appear before the Committee to provide the reasons for her absence from the House without written permission for more than the fifteen Sittings threshold.
“By the provisions of Article 97 (1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution, the onus is on Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo to provide a reasonable explanation to the Privileges Committee why she shall not vacate her Seat, for having absented herself for forty-two (42) Sittings, during the period under consideration.
“The Minority Members on the Committee concede that reasonable efforts were made to get Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo to appear before the Committee, however, the Minority Members are of the view that, the lack of response of Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo to the numerous invitations of the Committee should be reported to the House without any conclusions.
“The above notwithstanding, the Majority, was of the view that, Hon Sarah Adwoa Safo failed to take advantage of the numerous opportunities and facilities offered her to provide reasonable explanation to the Committee with regard to her absence without leave.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 97 (1) (c) of the 1992 Constitution and the Court of Appeal decision in the case of Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare v the Attorney General & 3 Ors, the Dome-Kwabenya should be declared vacant.”
But the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, said he would not, in a rush, give a ruling on the recommendations made by the Privileges Committee.
He has therefore deferred his decision until resumption of sitting from break as Parliament rises today July 28, TV3’s Parliamentary Correspondent Komla Kluste reported.
Addressing the House on Thursday July 28, Mr Bagbin said he needed time to produce a reasoned written ruling on the matter.
“Honourable Members, I have consulted the old lady, the old lady has given me an advise and I think that advise is correct. The issue raised by the Majority Leader is both of substantive and procedural law.
“I need time to submit to this house a reasoned, written ruling. I cannot in a haste of today, give you the ruling. In the circumstance, I will urge this House for us to call it a day.”
source:3news
