Parliament reconvened on Tuesday amid jeers, boos, handshakes and exchange of pleasantries after the four-day boycott by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary caucus.
Mr Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker, who called the House to order requested the Minority leader, Mr Alban Bagbin to make a statement on behalf of the Minority.
Mr Bagbin suggested an urgent meeting of the leadership of the House to discuss the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the MP for Ningo/Prampram, Mr Enoch T. Mensah.
He called for a reference to the judiciary for guidance on the extent and limits of Parliamentary immunity and privileges as provided for in the 1992 Constitution.
Mr Bagbin said the action of the Minority is a strong signal to the Executive to treat the other arms of government, with the necessary decency and decorum to ensure a harmonious co-existence and pursuit of the national interest.
The Minority Leader said in spite of the fact that the arrest and detention of Mr Mensah was public knowledge, the leadership of the Minority made contact with the leadership of the House on Sunday to brief them on the situation.
Mr Bagbin said as events later revealed, the issue was seen as a Minority problem and so "we had no option than to hold the press conference to disagree with that view, register our belief and conviction and to condemn the capricious use of Executive power".
He said the Minority believe that the issues could be mutually handled by the House to deepen the democratic principles and practices that have been established, but much would depend on the attitude of the Majority side.
"The collective wisdom of our people approved the agenda for positive change, which the NPP government promised to respect and we pledge to hold the government to that promise", he added.
Mr Bagbin said in approving the agenda for positive change, the people also endorsed a strong populous Minority presence in the House and they have no alternative than to work together to build consensus and narrow down their differences.
"The Minority group would be shirking its responsibilities if it allows itself to be buffeted by the erratic waves of Executive power. It is for the Minority to rise above the wind and calm the waves so that we can direct the ship of state".
Mr Bagbin expressed sincere gratitude to all those, who stood by them "in their just struggle against arbitrary arrest and violation of citizen's rights".
Mr J. H. Mensah, the Majority Leader and Minister and Leader of Government Business, said Parliament is the relevant forum where issues could be discussed and amicable solutions found and wondered why the Minority did not act accordingly.
He said a boycott has its political uses and it is time that the Minority learnt and called on them to learn how to use the instruments and parliamentary forums to discuss issues.
Mr Blay referred the matter to the leadership of the House to meet and advise on the next line of action.
He had earlier introduced a two-man Tanzanian Parliamentary delegation to the House.
