Tensions flared in Parliament on Tuesday when Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga accused Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of attempting to use the House to intimidate government agencies. The exchange followed a heated debate over the arrest and prolonged detention of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, Abdul-Wahab Hanan.
The incident occurred during a sitting presided over by Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor when the Minority Leader sought to raise concerns about the Buffer Stock CEO, who has reportedly been held for two weeks due to his inability to meet a GH¢50 million bail condition.
Afenyo-Markin has consistently taken the opportunity to raise the matter at every opportunity since the arrest. He lamented the continuous detention of Mr. Hanan, describing it as unjust. He accused the state of abusing its prosecutorial powers and said the GH¢50 million bail condition was excessive and punitive.
“The man has been in detention for 14 days simply because he cannot meet a GH¢50 million bail condition. This is an affront to justice and human dignity,” he argued.
The Majority leader and Bawku Central MP, however, pushed back against what he described as a misuse of parliamentary procedures to interfere with the work of state agencies.
“Mr. Speaker, I have a problem where we try to use this House as a platform to intimidate, intimidate executive arms of government doing their work,” Ayariga declared.
He argued that Ghana’s Constitution provides a clear remedy for any citizen who believes their rights have been violated and that it was inappropriate to politicise such matters in Parliament.
“The Constitution is obvious on the remedies available to anybody who claims a violation of his or her rights. You go to the courts and seek a remedy there. You can also report to the Human Rights Committee of this House – not use this floor for political pressure,” he added pointedly.
Hon. Afenyo-Markin, however, challenged the Majority Leader, warning that the leader of government business cannot introduce a ‘strange principle’ into the chamber.
“That the people’s representatives can no more question or raise matters affecting the rights of citizens, it won’t happen,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, however, condemned the attempt to raise the issue during question time, pointing out that it was procedurally improper.
He cited Standing Order 93 to clarify that urgent matters of public importance must be raised during the appropriate session—specifically, during the ‘Statements’ segment – not during question time.
“Under Standing Order 93, a member may raise an urgent issue of public importance. At that moment, we can take comments. But when it is question time, you cannot raise a matter of urgent public importance because we may not have the opportunity to open the floor for members to comment,” he explained.
Calling for order, the Deputy Speaker urged the Minority Leader to “hold his fire” until the appropriate time in the proceedings.
