Speaker warns Ablakwa, Suhuyini over 'lies'

The Speaker of Parliament has cautioned Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Alhassan Suhuyini, MPs for North Tongu and Tamale North respectively, from further bearing false witness against colleague legislators.

The two MPs and a few others backed the bribery allegation made against the leadership of the Appointments Committee of Parliament and Boakye Agyarko, Energy Minister, by Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central.

Mr Ayariga had been found guilty of contempt of parliament by a five-member committee tasked to investigate the allegations. He has since been warned by the Speaker not to repeat his conduct.

Reading his ruling on the matter on Friday April 7, Prof Ocquaye, after warning Mr Ayariga, also cautioned the others who supported the claim against lying against their colleagues.

He said: “In all the circumstances of this case I have come to the conclusion that the Honourable Ayariga should be shown mercy on this occasion. May he go and sin no more. He is warned never to peddle such expensive rumours in his affairs in this house.

“I must also extend a warning to some four or five honourable members who deemed it proper to make untoward lies apparently in support of Ayariga regarding the conduct for which the Honourable Ayariga has now apologised.

“Our self-regulations mean we must handle indiscipline or unlawful behaviour right in this parliament. In the case on hand, the First Deputy Speaker (Joe Osei-Owusu) should be contained from going to court for whatever another honourable member has done in the course of our business.

“He cannot go to court actually. The provisions he sought cannot be granted but he can come to the court of parliament, parliament has the full right to investigate the matter to punish whosoever ever should be punished in such a case.”