Former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini, has urged members of parliament to be more conscious of their conduct, warning that every action carries consequences.
His comments follow Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to refer Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for alleged contempt of parliament. The referral was triggered by a petition from Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, after Afenyo-Markin challenged a move to exclude him from Ghana’s ECOWAS delegation.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, November 27, Inusah Fuseini stressed the need for MPs to familiarise themselves with the rules governing their conduct.
He explained that lawmakers must always ensure their behaviour does not breach the Standing Orders, regardless of the position they hold.
“As a member of Parliament, the first thing you should apprise yourself with is your conduct. What conduct will be a subject matter of referral to the Privileges Committee. It doesn’t matter whether you are the Majority Leader or the Minority Leader. What is important is that, does the conduct exhibited infringe a provision of the standing orders,” he stated.
He also noted that Afenyo-Markin risks expulsion if the Privileges Committee finds that his conduct breaches the Standing Orders, stressing that the rules apply equally to all MPs, regardless of rank or position.
“No leader whether from the Majority or the Minority is immuned from expulsion in parliament if you read Article 97 carefully,” he added.