The Deputy Majority Whip of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Habib Iddrisu, has strongly condemned members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for abandoning their responsibilities in parliament to accompany their fellow MPs who are currently facing criminal charges. The NDC minority MPs, in an act of solidarity, chose to abstain from parliamentary proceedings to support James Gyakye Quayson and Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who are separately undergoing trials in court.
Expressing his disapproval, Habib Iddrisu, who represents the Tolon constituency, emphasized that the primary duty of these legislators is to represent the interests of their constituents within the parliament, not to accompany individuals to court. He asserted this view during an interview with JoyNews, reminding the MPs that they were elected to contribute to parliamentary discussions and decision-making, not to prioritize court appearances.
Mr. Iddrisu pointed out that during the parliamentary session on June 6, certain sector ministers were present to address inquiries regarding development projects in various constituencies. However, due to the absence of some legislators, proceedings continued without them. This highlighted the importance of their presence in fulfilling their legislative responsibilities.
Expressing his concern, Mr. Iddrisu questioned the democratic and parliamentary principles being followed by these MPs, as their actions contradicted the democratic process practiced in Ghana. He firmly stated, “I do not know what kind of democracy or parliamentary procedure this is, but we are watching them closely, and the business of the day continues.”
He further emphasized that legislators play a crucial role in creating laws, with the expectation that the judiciary will enforce them. By prioritizing the support of their fellow MPs over the judicial process, Mr. Iddrisu argued that they were demonstrating a skewed sense of justice and fairness, suggesting that their actions implied special treatment for James Gyakye Quayson and potentially a call for the dismissal of all ongoing court cases.
In response, the NDC MPs, led by their Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agboza, released a press statement on Thursday, July 6, reiterating their firm commitment to boycott parliamentary sittings whenever the cases involving their two colleagues are being heard. The caucus expressed their solidarity with the accused MPs, alleging that their trials were unjust.
Regarding the specific cases, Dr. Ato Forson is currently facing a criminal trial related to an alleged financial loss of €2.37 million to the state. The case involves a procurement agreement for 200 ambulances made between 2014 and 2016.
Meanwhile, James Gyakye Quayson, the newly elected Assin North MP, is also facing a criminal trial at the High Court. The charges against him include forgery, perjury, deceiving a public officer, and making false declarations when filing nominations for the 2020 election while still holding Canadian citizenship. Quayson has filed a motion on notice at the High Court, seeking a stay of proceedings pending an appeal.