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Minority cannot direct government business - Dr. Kumbuor

By Myjoyonline.com|Adwoa Gyasiwaa
Politics Minority cannot direct government business - Dr. Kumbuor
NOV 18, 2013 LISTEN

Majority leader, Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor says the Minority in Parliament cannot dictate when and how government should prosecute its business.

According to him, as leader of government business, he is the only legitimate person to indicate with authenticity, why an amendment must take place at any particular time, adding, “Whether it is a Friday evening or a Saturday morning, as long as Parliament is properly constituted and is sitting, any business can legitimately be carried out".

Dr. Kumbuor's comment came after the Minority in Parliament had served notice that they may boycott government 2014 financial statement to be presented by the Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, on Tuesday, November 19, 2013.  

The Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Papa Owusu Ankoma, who is also a member of the Finance Committee of Parliament told Joy FM's Top Story Monday, that they will be meeting on Tuesday morning to take the final decision.

This threat of boycott, comes after the Majority approved a 2.5 percent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT)

The Minority, who staged a walkout in disapproval of the VAT increase said due process was not followed.

But the Majority leader described the conduct of the Minority as highly unacceptable.

He therefore bemoaned how unwitting the two caucuses in Parliament are pushing themselves at par from consensus building.

Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor further disclosed that he is under intense pressure to sanction an all out confrontation with the Minority in future parliamentary business including tomorrow's budget reading.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rasheed Draman of the Parliament Centre, described as worrying the feud between the Majority and Minority.

He said Parliamentarians as representatives of the people must dialogue in the interest of the state.

Dr. Rasheed Draman said even though the Minority could not dictate to government, their views as opposition must be accommodated.

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