Keep doing what you’re doing but don’t be violent — Joe Ghartey tells Minority

Former Railway Minister and former Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey, has stressed the importance of an active Minority caucus in the country’s development.

The NPP stalwart advised his colleagues to continue their work in a democratic manner rather than resorting to violence, as witnessed during the vetting on Thursday, January 30.

“The Minority, apart from the physical aspect, should continue what they are doing. They should use the rules and defend the people of Ghana. The Minority is as important as the Majority because together they help Ghana stand,” he told Accra-based Channel One News.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, has lifted the two-week suspension imposed on Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi; Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh; Weija-Gbawe MP, Jerry Ahmed; and Gushegu MP, Alhassan Tampuli.

Their suspension followed a clash between the Minority and Majority caucuses over the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa after the NPP side pushed for a rescheduling.

The Majority rejected the appeal, resulting in chaos as Minority members disrupted the session, breaking tables and microphones in an attempt to halt the process.

After hearing pleas from both the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader on Tuesday, February 4, the Speaker lifted the ban but emphasized that investigations would still proceed.

The Speaker expressed satisfaction with the show of remorse from the affected MPs.

“Our Standing Orders grant me the power and authority to do what I did. I have lifted the suspension order. I do so instantly, and it takes effect immediately,” he said.