GBC boss accused of verbal attack on MP

Accra, March 26, GNA- The Speaker of Parliament, Mrs Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, on Thursday referred a case involving the NPP Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation boss, Mr. Ampem Darko to the Privileges Committee of Parliament.

The issue came up on the floor, when Mr Isaac Asiamah, NPP MP for Atwima Mponua, drew the Speaker's attention to the matter, saying that, a few days ago, the GBC boss had verbally assaulted Mr. Hammond on the premises of Parliament and was therefore in breach of the Standing Orders of the House.

Mr Asiamah said by the action of Mr Ampem Darko, Mr Hammond was being obstructed in the performance of his constitutional duties as an MP and therefore requested that the Speaker referred the matter to the Privileges Committee.

Standing Order 28 of Parliament states that: "An act or omission, which obstructs or impedes Parliament in the performance of its functions or which obstructs or impedes a member or officer of Parliament in the discharge of his duties or affronts the dignity of Parliament which tends either to directly or indirectly to produce such a result shall be in contempt of Parliament. 26 March 09