No one can stop Minority from debating budget – Muntaka

In a sharp contrast with the views of some members of the governing National Democratic Congress, Majority Chief Whip Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak has declared that the laws governing Parliamentary proceedings do not allow any person to stop an MP from performing his duties.

The Minority members have so far boycotted all activities relating to President John Mahama as 2012 New Patriotic Party flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo and other party elites challenge the legitimacy of his election before the Supreme Court.

On Thursday, some members of the Parliamentary Majority took a swipe at the Minority over its tentative decision to participate in the presentation of the 2013 budget on Tuesday, March 5, claiming the Minority is contradicting itself by selectively participating in business relating to the presidency.

Majority MPs for Ketu North, James Avedzi, and Ayawaso North, Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, claimed that Minority MPs cannot be part of this debate because President Mahama nominated the Finance Minister who will be presenting the budget.

However, Alhaji Muntaka declared on Adom TV's Badwam programme Friday that anyone attempting to prevent the Minority from participating in the discussions would be flouting Parliament's laws.

He clarified that this should not stop MPs from questioning the rationale behind the Minority's actions.

He himself questioned the morality behind the Minority's boycott of ministerial vetting activities and their decision to stage a walkout just before the president delivered his State of the Nation Address. He also pointed out the contradiction between the Minority's stance on those events and their intention to participate in budget debates.

Story by Ghana/Adom TV/Nana Yaa Brefo