Speaker stops Ablakwa on Ghanaian migrants debate

The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, on Thursday barred Minority spokesperson on Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from speaking on the Libyan migrant crisis on the floor of Parliament.

The decision by the speaker follows a statement from the Foreign Affairs ministry presented by Deputy Minister Habib Tijaani in relation to the plight of some Ghanaian migrants in Libya.

Prof. Oquaye argued that the North Tongu MP’s decision to go to the media with the matter before coming to parliament disqualifies him from contributing to the statement.

Not even countless pleas from Minority chief whip Muntaka Mubarak could change the Speaker’s mind on the matter.

Addressing the media after the incident Mr. Ablakwa accused the speaking of suppressing and gagging free speech in the Law making Chamber.

According to him, the speaker denied the House an opportunity to seek respite for some Ghanaian migrants languishing in camps in Libya.

But the majority, however, rubbished allegations of Mr. Ablakwa against the Speaker. Chairman for Foreign Affairs committee Frank Annor Donpreh in an interview with Starr News said the speaker’s decision is grounded in law.

“The interpretation of the standing orders lies in the bosom of the Speaker. You can interpret it as not being democratic but that is what it is…and we must accept it as such. I believe the Speaker was fair,” Mr. Dompreh told Starr FM’s Ibrahim Alhassan.