- The Speaker has denied reports the MP who is currently facing a backlash from certain quarters within the New Patriotic Party sought permission from him on health grounds.
- The constitution and parliamentary procedure indicate that an MP who is absent from Parliament for more than 15 days can be dragged before the Privileges Committee, and that can lead to the seat being declared vacant.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has denied saying he granted permission to the embattled Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo to be absent from the chamber on health grounds.
The MP, who is currently facing a backlash from certain quarters within the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has exceeded the threshold for a lawmaker to absent herself without permission.
The constitution and parliamentary procedure indicate that an MP who is absent from Parliament for more than 15 days can be dragged before the Privileges Committee, and that can lead to the seat being declared vacant.
Addressing MPs on Thursday (24 February), Bagbin also pledged that he will deal with the issue of absenteeism in the House on Friday.
His comment follows assertions by the MP for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that some MPs including the MP for Ayawaso Central, Henry Quartey and member of parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong could lose their seats for consistent absenteeism from the House.
Bagbin said: “It is being alleged that I granted an interview to say that Adwoa Safo received permission from me to absent herself from Parliament on health grounds. I want it to be known by all that I have not granted any such interview anywhere. I have not said anything like that anywhere. It is not the Speaker who determines who is present and who is absent.
Listen to Bagbin in the ättached audio below:
Adwoa Safo took leave of absence
Meanwhile, the national chairman of the governing party Freddie Blay has disclosed that Safo took a leave of absence to address some health issues.
“I know that she [Adwoa Safo] asked for a period off to take care of some health issues and so let’s not make any hasty decisions …we must appreciate the situations she also finds herself in,” Blay told The Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday.
“It is unfortunate that Adwoa Safo’s matter is in the public domain but I will like to say that at the end of the day Parliamentary proceedings must continue; a resolution will be reached.”
Nicholas Brown
Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
99.5 in Accra, 90.7 in Ho, 98.5 in Kumasi, 99.7 in Tamale, 89.5 in Tarkwa, 100.3 in Cape Coast and 106.9 in Walewale
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
#AsaaseRadio
#TheVoiceofOurLand
