Habib Iddrisu, the Deputy Majority Chief Whip, has expressed his disapproval of Minority MPs’ decision to boycott parliamentary business in solidarity with their colleagues facing criminal trials in court. He described their action as “unfortunate” during an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story.

Iddrisu alleged that not all 137 Minority MPs who boycotted parliament were present in court to support their two colleagues. He emphasized that the timing of the court hearings for both cases created a time difference with parliamentary proceedings, as the cases were called around 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., while parliament began its proceedings after 12 p.m.

The Deputy Majority Chief Whip suggested that the Minority’s decision to boycott was aimed at frustrating government business rather than solely showing solidarity with their colleagues. He expressed concern about the example this sets for the country’s democracy.

The comments were made in response to all National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs boycotting parliamentary proceedings on July 6 to support their leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson, who are facing criminal trials. Iddrisu pointed out that such criminal charges against MPs are not unprecedented, citing instances when New Patriotic Party MPs faced similar situations without boycotting their parliamentary duties.

He referred to the prosecution of the late Adamu Sakande over dual citizenship allegations when he was a Member of Parliament, highlighting that their colleagues’ actions appear to be an attempt to hinder government business.