The Parliamentary Affairs Minister has explained why he challenged the Speaker of Parliament for admitting the petition filed by former owners of defunct UT Bank and UniBank on behalf of the House.
Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu who was speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story Tuesday, noted that although the legislature is opened to hearing and accepting petitions from the citizenry, never in the country’s history has the Speaker been the one accepting such petitions.
The Suame MP said Mr Bagbin's action could be detrimental to the speakership position.
“The Speaker says that, as a Speaker, there is nowhere in the Constitution or standing orders, debarring him from admitting petitions. So he is open to every petition and I can’t believe that.
“This is because the House will then be inundated with petitions from left, right and center if the Speakership is to be reduced to a mere conveyer belt. So I disagree with the Speaker,” he told host Evans Mensah.
On Friday, a former Finance Minister Dr Kwabena Duffuor and the CEO of defunct UT Bank petitioned Parliament over the Bank of Ghana (BoG)’s revocation of their banking license.
The former Governor of the central bank petitioned the legislature to investigate the conduct of BoG in the takeover.
And asking Parliament to direct the restoration of the banking license of Unibank Ghana Limited by BoG and remedying the harms done to the shareholders’ property rights as a result of the conduct of the central bank.
But in his view, this particular case is a subjudice, as such, the Speaker should not have admitted it in the first place.
He insisted that it could disrupt judicial process into the matter.
“I expressed my opinion, I said to the Speaker that I disagree with the recourse that he is resorting to because a matter is before the Court.
“The Court has not exhausted the processes and the cases are being heard by the Court and from the Court, the two people run to Parliament to seek cover and petition Parliament,” he stated.
However, Mr Kyei Mensah Bonsu says despite his disagreement, he will comply with the directive of the Speaker and perform his duties as required of him to ensuring that the petition is deliberated on.
Latest Stories
-
2024/25 Ghana League: Bechem United shock Chelsea in Berekum
38 mins -
GPL 2024/25: Nations FC beat Asante Kotoko to go top
38 mins -
GPL 2024/2025: Gold Stars drop to 2nd after 2-0 defeat to Medeama
44 mins -
#GPL 2024/25: Hearts pip Karela in Tamale to move into top 4
48 mins -
Feedback from Klopp, others more valuable than just anybody – Otto Addo to critics
1 hour -
Support us if you want to qualify for the World Cup – Otto Addo to Ghanaians
2 hours -
Defective ballot papers for Ahafo and Volta Regions destroyed by EC
2 hours -
Election 2024: Be fair and transparent – Togbe Afede to EC
2 hours -
AFCON 2025Q: Poor home form cost us – Otto Addo
2 hours -
Togbe Afede criticises recent Supreme Court rulings as uninspiring and illogical
2 hours -
GPL 2024/2025: Accra Lions remain bottom after draw against Kpando
2 hours -
NDC condemns Dela Edem’s ‘unsavoury and distasteful’ comments about kufuor; issues public apology
2 hours -
‘Let them burn the sea; don’t return if Parliament is recalled’ – Asiedu Nketiah to NDC MPs
2 hours -
Bawumia’s commitment to excellence will ensure Ghana fulfills its potentials – Prof. Etse Sikanku
3 hours -
Ensign Global College marks 10th anniversary with 9th congregation
3 hours