Minority embarks on sit-down strike

The Minority Caucus in Parliament embarked on a sit-down strike to protest against what they describe as unprovoked insults from the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu over the cash-for-seat saga.

According to the Minority, the Majority Leader had used certain harsh words to describe the Minority Caucus, which they claim was in a bad taste.

Despite the Minority members being present on the floor of Parliament they abstained from taking part in deliberations in the chamber.

The Minority members initially asked three questions but refused to comment on any other business in the House.

The minority in Parliament on February 6, 2018, stormed out of the House after they disagreed with the move to debate the report of the Committee, which investigated the alleged extortion of $100,000 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry from expatriate businesses.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu had registered his disgust by the posture of the Minority since the start of the probe, saying on the floor of Parliament that Parliament will not listen to any “cock and bull story” from the opposition lawmakers.

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu speaking to the media in Parliament insisted that the conduct of some of the Minority members in the cash-for-seat probe can be described as dishonest.

He said the reasons adduced by the Minority to back their actions are uncalled for.

He said the Majority members only observed what the Minority did but “we were not told officially.”

Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also explained that the standing orders of the House gives the Minority the right to come to the chamber but no one can force them to talk if they choose to be silent.

He said the rule provides for the Committee to write a report but the Minority repeatedly did not follow the rules.

He said Standing Order 210 is clear that the burden is on the Chairman of the Committee to produce a report.