Emeafa Hardcastle shouldn't be made to go unpunished over 'silly MP’ comment — Minority
The Minority caucus in Parliament has reacted to the confrontation between its Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, Emeafa Hardcastle.
The NPP MPs described the verbal assault of Nsawam Adoagyiri lawmaker as being a “silly MP”—as an egregious attack on parliamentary authority that cannot go unchallenged.
In a statement dated January 29 and signed by the Leader of the caucus and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority acknowledged the invitation of the House to address the matter on Thursday, January 30.
“Ms. Hardcastle’s attempt to direct the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, on the execution of his parliamentary duties, coupled with her unconscionable description of a senior Member of Parliament as ‘silly,’ constitutes an egregious assault on parliamentary authority that cannot go unchallenged. Such conduct strikes at the very foundation of our democracy and must be met with the full force of parliamentary sanctions,” part of the statement read.
The Minority expressed concern over the incident, noting that it comes just weeks after President Mahama urged his appointees to eschew “arrogance or disrespect” towards Ghanaians in their public service.
“Accordingly, the Minority Leadership maintains that Ms. Hardcastle’s conduct represents an intolerable breach of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House, demanding exemplary sanctions. Parliament must send a clear, unequivocal message that any attempt to undermine its authority or dignity will face severe consequences,” the NPP caucus demanded.
Background
The confrontation in question saw the two being captured on video visibly angry on Tuesday, January 28, at the Appointments Committee of Parliament.
In a video that has gone viral, Emeafa Hardcastle, who was present to support the vetting of the Minister-designate for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, is heard repeatedly describing the Minority in Parliament as a “micro minority,” a label the group has strongly opposed.
This seemingly angered the Minority Chief Whip, who vowed to take Emeafa Hardcastle on.
In response, Emeafa Hardcastle is heard saying, “You are threatening me that you will take me on because you are who? My friend, don’t bring yourself. What do you mean you are taking me on? What does that phrase mean? Don’t bring yourself. I don’t have time for this. You think you can bully me here?”