GRi in Parliament Ghana 05 - 01 - 2001
Da Rocha in contempt of Parliament
Accra (Greater Accra) 05 January 2001
The majority and minority sides in Parliament held the proverbial olive branch on Thursday to avert what would have commenced contempt proceedings against Mr B. J. Da Rocha, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party.
The majority side protested vehemently after Mr Mumuni Abdu Seidu, Deputy Majority Leader had informed the House that Mr Da Rocha had published a statement, which imported that the life of the present assembly terminated on December 7.
Mr. Seidu described the contents of the statement as an embarrassment to Parliament and asked members, especially those from the NPP, to caution their colleagues against making statements, which would derogate the dignity of the House.
In reference to the nomination of Mr Justice A. Essilfie-Bondzie to the Supreme Court, Mr Seidu intimated that the procedure began in June last year and it would just be proper for the House to complete it before it dissolves.
He said the constitution guarantees the present parliament to function until mid-night of January 6 and anybody who expresses a contrary opinion is trying to infringe on the constitution.
Justice Daniel Francis Annan, the Speaker said even though he has a lot of respect for Mr Da Rocha, what he said in his statement was wrong and misleading.
He said he would meet with the Business Committee to consider the document and demanded that copies of the statement be made available to members for their scrutiny.
Justice Annan supported the Deputy Majority Leader by saying, "from the legal and constitutional perspective this House has the authority to function till mid night of January 6" adding, "the allegation is serious, the statement is wrong."
Many minority members appeared incensed after Mr Kwasi Kedem, (NDC) member for Hohoe South said that Mr Da Rocha's statement was intended to "twist people's minds by distorting the constitutional provisions even though the elections have been concluded".
In her contribution, Mrs Gladys Asmah, (NPP Takoradi) said Mr Da Rocha "is a respectable person and must be left alone since he is entitled to his own opinion".
But Mr Seidu countered that a misguided statement must be rebuffed no matter the status of the person who made it.
Mr Edward Osei Kwaku, (NPP- Asokwa West) described Mr Da Rocha as a legal icon who should be spared the level of castigation being delivered by the Majority side.
He however said that he disagreed with Mr Da Rocha on the contents of the statement.
Mr. Ken Dzirasah, First Deputy Speaker, who described the statement as contemptuous of the House, quoted Article 28 of the Standing Orders to support his claim but opined that, no action should be taken because "it was time to reconcile".
He advised the minority side to take a cue from the magnanimity of the majority and be considerate in their pursuits when they swap positions on January 7.
Mr. Sampson Kwaku Boafo (NPP- Subin) lauded the suggestion of Mr Dzirasah, saying that a stay of action would enable parliament to dissolve in a peaceful atmosphere.
At that juncture, the Speaker said the suggestions from both sides, to drop the case was in the right direction and consequently, it must be rested.
Meanwhile, the motion on the appointment of Mr Justice Essilfie-Bondzie has been shelved once more and would be billed for business on Friday.
The postponement was at the instance of the Deputy Majority Leader as the House did not have the quorum to carry through the process.
GRi…/
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