Parliament summons Ken Agyapong to answer contempt charge publicly

Parliament has resolved to conduct a public hearing on Tuesday July 3 for firebrand Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, to answer for his conduct that has been deemed to be contemptuous of parliament.

Mr. Agyapong who is the MP for Assin Central, was accused of insulting parliament and the Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.

He reportedly called the MPs “useless” for confirming the MP for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as the Majority Leader.

His utterances were brought to the attention of the Speaker who referred the matter to the Privileges Committee of the House for the necessary action.

An examination of the evidence against Mr. Agyapong on June 26 established a prima facie case against him.

The Committee after examining the evidence said the controversial MP breached Article 112 of the 1992 Constitution and Order 31(2) of Parliament’s Standing Orders as well as clause 4(9) of Code of Conduct of members of parliament.

“For that reason he ought to appear [before the Privileges Committee] and be given the opportunity” to explain himself as “natural justice requires,” Vice Chairman Andrew Kofi Mercer told journalists on Tuesday.

A statement from the Public Affairs Department of Parliament said the Committee has scheduled July 3 to hold a public hearing on the alleged breach of privilege and contemptuous conduct.

“There Committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations to plenary after the hearing for the necessary actions and follow up” the statement said.