Minority MPs mad At "The Independent"

An Editorial Comment in Monday, (January 26, 2004) edition of “The Independent Newspaper was one of the major issues which were discussed on the floor of parliament on Tuesday.

Titled “Ala Adjetey’s Boys and Girls need the 3Ds (Decorum, Decency and Discipline) the paper stated among other things that Members of Parliament needed heavy dosages of Decorum, Decency and Discipline in the performance of their duties. It was referring to the conduct of MPs, especially a few in the Minority, during last Thursday’s state of the nation address by President Kufour.

Bringing the issue to the attention of the House, Minority Leader, Hon Alban Bagbin said the Editorial Comment is derogatory and very harmful to the reputation of members of the House. He explained that though MPs are not above the law and the subject to criticisms, the entire nation should not tolerate acts which negatively affect the dignity of parliamentarians. He therefore called on the 1st Deputy Speaker of Parliament, on. Freddy Blay who chaired sitting of the house, to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee for consideration.

However, Majority Leader, Hon Felix Owusu Agyapong suggested that the matter should be settled amicably by the leadership of the Press Corps and the Editor of the Independence. Upon the insistence of Hon. Alban Bagbin, the 1st Deputy Speaker referred the issue to the Privileges Committee for consideration and report to the house.