The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor over his accusation regarding the sale of diplomatic passports by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Jinapor alleged in Parliament on November 3, that diplomatic passports are sold for between GHC10,000 and GHC50,000.
However, he failed to provide evidence when asked by Speaker Alban Bagbin to do so. Subsequently, he was ordered out of the House by Bagbin.
Speaking at a media briefing on November 4, Mr Afenyo-Markin described the Speaker’s action as unfair.
“We the Minority consider that response disproportionate and in its effect, an act of parliamentary bullying. I say this deliberately, respectfully and without pleasure,” the Minority Leder asserted.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
DEFENDING PARLIAMENTARY DIGNITY, PROTECTING DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY*
We have invited you this afternoon with profound disquiet over the treatment of the Hon Member for Damongo Hon Samuel Abu Jinapor.
The dignity of this House requires candour, especially when candour is uncomfortable.
Our colleague, the Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, raised serious allegations concerning diplomatic passports, including their alleged sale for sums ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000. He sought accountability from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Directed to withdraw, he asked what particular allegation required withdrawal. Upon clarification, he expressly stated: “Mr Speaker, I withdraw.” He repeated that withdrawal. Yet the direction that he leave the Chamber was maintained.
Whatever the preceding disagreement, his withdrawal afforded an opportunity to restore order with dignity. Instead, his compliance was rewarded by being walked out.
We the Minority consider that response disproportionate and in its effect, an act of parliamentary bullying. I say this deliberately, respectfully and without pleasure.
We recognise the Speaker’s responsibility to maintain order and require allegations to be substantiated. But authority commands its greatest respect when exercised with restraint. A request by a Member for clarification does not by itself, constitute defiance. An express withdrawal in compliance to a Speaker’s directive deserves acknowledgement and not punishment.
We walked out with him to express solidarity with our colleague and our collective opposition to treatment we considered unjust, needless and highhanded.
The underlying questions remain unanswered. There is supporting material which in our assessment, raises serious concerns about false representations and apparent impersonation in procuring diplomatic or service passports through the Foreign Ministry. There are further allegations that this has become a common illicit trade.
The Minority through our Foreign Affairs Caucus will set out its evidence that material must be examined, its authenticity tested and those concerned allowed to answer. But where should these questions be raised if Parliament becomes inhospitable to them?
A diplomatic passport carries the authority and reputation of the Republic. Any credible indication that it is being obtained through false representations demands scrutiny of the highest seriousness. Article 103 and our Standing Order provide for parliamentary committees to investigate Ministries and Departments. That responsibility must survive uncomfortable questions and inconvenient disclosures.
The authority of Parliament belongs ultimately to the people. Its procedures must serve their interests, and its doors must remain open to questions asked honestly, courageously and in the overriding national interest. That is what we seek to do as a Minority.
The Government commands a majority exceeding two-thirds of this House. Such strength makes restraint more necessary and the protection of minority participation more consequential. The Majority possesses the votes, the Minority must retain an effective voice and a keen eye for scrutiny. An electoral mandate grants no licence to suffocate accountability.
But, when executive dominance is reinforced by parliamentary numbers, and scrutiny is repeatedly frustrated, elective dictatorship becomes a present danger and reality that must be resisted.
Just yesterday, in the United States midterm elections, American voters stripped the Republican Party of its majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives only two years after handing it control of both chambers of Congress. It is a powerful reminder to every majority, particularly the NDC Majority here in our Parliament, the people who give you power can take it away.
That is why we should never forget that an electoral mandate, however generous, confers the responsibility to govern within constitutional limits. It grants no licence to suffocate scrutiny. And, when those limits are tested, the Speaker must remain a bastion of balance and fairness.
We, therefore, respectfully ask that challenges be met with composure, disagreement distinguished from disrespect, and authority exercised with patience.
Let the Mighty Minority make its case. Let the evidence be examined. Let the Minister be heard. Let Parliament perform its duty. And, let the people decide.
We know that beyond these walls, the vast majority of Ghanaians stand behind us and appreciate the mighty work being done in their name. They rely on us to serve them and by holding Government accountable. Their expectations command our fidelity, just as their confidence strengthens our resolve.
We have endured intimidation and harassment as Minority in Opposition. Colleagues have faced arrest, detention and onerous bail conditions. We see in this pattern a coordinated, autocratic abuse of power intended to exhaust our resolve and silence our voices.
Let it be said loudly here, that we accept lawful accountability for every citizen, including ourselves. What we resist and will never desist from resisting is the conversion of state power into an instrument of political submission. That we can never compromise on.
We shall not be moved. We shall not be cowed. And, we surely shall not be silenced.
Ours is the Danquah–Dombo–Busia tradition, rooted in the United Party: an inheritance embracing Ghana’s tribes, kingdoms, religions and regions, and generations united in defence of liberty.
Men and women suffered imprisonment, exile and death to secure, protect, restore and consolidate our democracy. We owe them fidelity. We owe our children every Ghanaian freedom.
Cowardice is not in our DNA. Fear is a stranger to our heartbeat. Intimidation cannot break our spirit. Bullies cannot extinguish our fire to stand and fight for what is right without fright.
And, let it be drummed in that not even lies, however relished, can erase reputations earned through hard work, sacrifice and patriotism. We of the New Patriotic Party, perseverance, courage and patriotic service are woven into our being.
Therefore, somewhere beyond this Chamber, we know a young Ghanaian is watching and asking whether public service still requires courage. A citizen is wondering whether power must always prevail over principle. Let our answer rise from this House. Let it reach the trader, the farmer, the teacher and the graduate searching for a fair chance in life.
We must let them believe that their questions will be asked. Their concerns will be heard. Their trust will be honoured.
Honourable Jinapor shall not be silenced. The Caucus shall not be silenced. We shall hold the Government and its functionaries accountable, as Ghanaians have entrusted us to do.
Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was never silenced in opposition he was loud he never compromised. Therefore, this not time to shield him, he must come out and defend the very principles he stood for in opposition.
Whatever pressure comes our way, we shall return to our duty. With steady hearts. With clear voices. With unbroken resolve.
This is the Mighty Minority. We are few but firm in conviction. This is who we are.
May God protect us in the service of our people.
May God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong, bold to defend forever the cause of Freedom and of Rights.
I thank you.
*OSAHEN ALEXANDER KWAMENA AFENYO-MARKIN*
