Majority Leader Condemns Minority's Face Mask Protest

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly condemned the Minority Caucus’s actions in Parliament on Tuesday night, describing their conduct as “shameful and undignified.”

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, December 10, Mr. Ayariga criticized the Minority’s decision to wear face masks during proceedings, alleging it was a deliberate attempt to obstruct the business of the House.

The disagreement stemmed from Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to defer a ruling on the contentious Kpandai parliamentary seat. Minority MPs demanded an immediate adjournment to address the issue, which has escalated tensions between the two sides.

“No government business should proceed until the Speaker addresses this matter,” Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip, argued, adding further to the protest.

However, Speaker Bagbin proceeded with a voice vote, upholding the scheduled parliamentary agenda. This prompted the Minority to respond with chants and attempts to disrupt the proceedings, leading to heated exchanges.

The present situation originates from a letter dated December 4, notifying the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Jean Mensa, that the Kpandai seat was vacant. This followed a High Court ruling ordering a rerun of the 2024 parliamentary election in the constituency – a decision the Minority vehemently opposes.

“The behaviour exhibited by the Minority not only undermined parliamentary decorum but also tarnished the image of the legislative body,” Mahama Ayariga insisted. “They should resolve disagreements through dialogue and established procedures, rather than disruptive theatrics.”

He urged Members of Parliament to prioritize constructive engagement over actions that hinder the efficient operation of Parliament.

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