Majority, Minority in tussle over alleged bias of Speaker

The Minority has called on the Speaker, Professor Mike Oquaye to give them a level playing field in the House.

According to the Caucus, the Speaker has continually showed bias against them on the Floor of the House and has denied members and leadership of the Minority the opportunity to ask pertinent questions.

Speaking to Journalists in Parliament after the Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu was denied the chance to quiz the Minister of Food and Agriculture on the Floor, the Minority Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka said since taking the Chair as Speaker, Professor Ocquaye, has shown his side disrespect and is narrowing the democratic space, making it difficult for them to be heard on certain matters that come before the House.

Alhaji Muntaka expressed disappointment at the conduct of the Speaker stating that his side will advise themselves if the Speaker does not change the way he is controlling affairs in the House.

The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu however said his colleagues on the other side are not using the right channels to express their frustrations.

He said the Standing Orders of Parliament provide guidelines as to the conduct of members of Parliament and in particular their reaction to the Speaker's ruling.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said being given audience on the Floor of the House is the prerogative of the Speaker and so the claim by the Minority is regrettable.

He said the Leadership of the Minority must do well to cooperate with the Speaker to ensure the smooth running of the House.