Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, has called for Parliament to “take a vote on account and close shop” if the Minority does not find government business relevant.
His comments come on the back of a contribution from North Tongu lawmaker, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said during the House’s sitting on Monday, December 16, 2024, that the overwhelming rejection of the government by Ghanaians renders the current parliamentary activities unnecessary.
According to Dr. Prempeh, also known NAPO, it is unfair for his colleague to suggest the bills and other businesses being laid on the floor for discussion are unnecessary because of the results of the just ended elections.
“Just to get up and say that Ghanaians have totally rejected NPP and all these bills and all these encumbrances is a very, very unfair statement. It is a very unfair statement that says that other things that have been programmed shouldn’t even be considered,” NAPO said.
The failed Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) explained further that the issues on the floor of the House includes bills that relate to the environment and social protection which should not be overlooked as his colleague is suggesting.
He explained that there wouldn’t be the need for the House to sit again if the MP thinks discussion of government business wasn’t necessary.
“I think the new government then should come and start because we are resetting. And I agree, Ghanaians voted for resetting. So, Mr. Speaker, probably the only thing we have to do is to take a vote on account and close shop,” he stated.
Referencing the NDC’s campaign messaging, he noted the perceived emphasis on the “resetting agenda” and suggested that the current parliament focuses on limited priorities before wrapping up.
“Apart from the vote of proceedings and maybe his end-of-service benefits that he [Okudzeto Ablakwa] is very much interested in, every other thing, social protection bills, second reading of bills, third readings, if it is not worth doing, it’s not worth doing. Let’s agree on resetting, close shop on everything, do those they are interested in to further their own personal interests, and close shop,” NAPO concluded.
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