Parliament has failed - AFC

Accra (Greater Accra) 17 Dec. '98

Accra (Greater Accra) 17 Dec. '98 Parliament has failed to live up to its obligations in the way it handled the bribery allegation levelled against President Jerry Rawlings by a Nigerian newspaper, the Post Express, the Alliance For Change (AFC), a pressure group said on Thursday. It said under the Constitution, Parliament has the responsibility to monitor the conduct of the President but has, so far, shirked its duty to ensure an independent inquiry into the matter. Nana Akufo Addo, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa and spokesman for the AFC, addressing a press conference in Accra, said the AFC will not allow the case to be shelved until the truth comes out. He said the seriousness of the allegation casts an indelible stain on the honour and dignity of President Rawlings as Head of State and the nation and not as a party leader and reiterated the need for an independent inquiry into the matter. Nana Akufo-Addo who is also the Minority Spokesman on Legal and Constitutional Affairs said "should Parliament fail to live up to its responsibility to the people as its representatives, the AFC will have no option but to facilitate the legitimate expression of outrage of a shocked and anxious nation. Mr Kweku Baako (Jnr), Editor of the Crusading Guide and member of AFC said the AFC will explore all avenues including the recourse to the courts and demonstrations to compel Parliament to ensure that an investigation is conducted into the allegation. Other members of AFC present at the conference include Nii Adjiri Blankson, Mr Akoto Ampaw, Mr Victor Newman, Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr. and Dr N. Nyaho-Tamakloe.