Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu has stated that the NDC Minority Caucus in Parliament remains resolute and determined to fight the introduction of the e-Levy Bill to its logical conclusion.
According to him, the Minority is prepared to go the long haul in its battle against the e-levy. "The E-levy is no longer a matter to be discussed anywhere," He said.
Mr. Iddrisu made the observation when he addressed a press conference in Parliament House after the Second Deputy Speaker, Mr Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who supervised proceedings in the House, abruptly suspended sitting for one hour.
The suspension of the House follows a demand by Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minority Chief Whip called for a division (vote) when he challenged the voice vote conducted by the Speaker during deliberation on the e-levy Bill.
Mr. Iddrisu also stated that the introduction of the e-levy is a demonstration that the Akufo-Addo led government is insensitive to the plight of suffering Ghanaians and legitimate public opinion.
He said instead of the government consulting with relevant stakeholders on the matter to reach a consensus, it has resorted to doing otherwise.
He explained that Article 104 (3) of the Constitution is clear on the proceedings of the House that, if there is a split in the voting between the Minority and Majority sides with 137 each, the vote would be deemed lost and the E-levy would have been rejected outrightly by the Parliament of Ghana.
Meanwhile, Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has stated that the Majority side had no idea about the whereabouts of the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin.
According to him, the Speaker's absence from the House was a deliberate ploy to frustrate the consideration of the report from the Finance Committee regarding the e-levy Bill.
Mr Afenyo-Markin made the claim when he spoke to the media in Parliament when the Second Deputy Speaker, Mr. Andrew Asiamah Amoako suspended sitting abruptly following a request by Mr. Muntaka, for a division (vote) after he had challenged the voice vote conducted by the Acting Speaker.
Mr Afenyo-Markin also said the House could not proceed with the sitting without Speaker Alban Bagbin in the chair and that nobody knows the whereabouts of the Speaker.
“I see Mr Speaker’s absence as a big surprise……For now, we do not know the whereabouts of Mr Speaker” he added.
Latest Stories
-
Expansion Drive: Takoradi Technical University increases faculties
3 hours -
SHS heads demand payment of outstanding funds before reopening of schools
3 hours -
We thank God for the 2024 general elections – Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
Coconut Grove Beach Resort marks 30 years of excellence with memorable 9 lessons & carols service
4 hours -
WAFU B U-17 Girls’ Cup: Black Maidens beat Nigeria on penalties to win inaugral tournament
4 hours -
Real Madrid beat Sevilla to keep pressure on leaders Atletico
5 hours -
Liverpool put six past Spurs to go four points clear
5 hours -
Manchester United lose 3-0 at home to Bournemouth yet again
5 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: ‘It’s still an open game’ – Didi on Ghana’s draw with Nigeria
6 hours -
CHAN 2024Q: Ghana’s Black Galaxies held by Nigeria in first-leg tie
7 hours -
Dr Nduom hopeful defunct GN bank will be restored under Mahama administration
7 hours -
Bridget Bonnie celebrates NDC Victory, champions hope for women and youth
7 hours -
Shamima Muslim urges youth to lead Ghana’s renewal at 18Plus4NDC anniversary
8 hours -
Akufo-Addo condemns post-election violence, blames NDC
8 hours -
DAMC, Free Food Company, to distribute 10,000 packs of food to street kids
10 hours