According to the Committee, failure to appear before them can lead to the loss of their seats.
ADVERTISEMENT
Show up for hearings or lose your seat - Privileges Committee warns absentee MPs
The Privileges Committee of Parliament has warned that the three lawmakers being probed for absenteeism have to show up for their hearings.
Hon. Adwoa Safo
Recommended articles
The Ranking Member for the Committee on Privileges, Kweku Rickett Hagan in an interview with Starr FM disclosed circumstances have compelled the committee to ask for one extra week from the Speaker as the two weeks deadline expires this week.
“The Constitution is clear that if you absent yourself without approval you lose your seat, it is very clear. So any honorable member who has nothing to say will have to resign and vacate the seat, that’s all.”
“But they have the opportunity under the same Constitution to defend themselves before the Committee which means that they believe that they have a legitimate reason why they are not here. if you don’t show up and you don’t give any good reason why you didn’t show up that itself is contempt and you have decided to resign,” he explained.
ADVERTISEMENT
The committee has been struggling to hold hearing after it was forced to abort its first day engagement with Ayawaso Central MP and Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey.
In a recent interview, the MP for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo said she is not aware of any invitation from the Privileges Committee.
She said that the probe by the Committee into absenteeism by her and two other lawmakers from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is news to her.
George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan
George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan
Pulse Ghana
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Accra based Joy FM, she said she hasn’t been served of any notice.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I am not aware such a thing has been given to me. I am just hearing it from you. As we speak, I don’t know that I have been invited.”
“I have to be served,” she added.
The Committee will investigate the MP for Dome Kwabenya, Sarah Adwoa Safo; MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and the MP for Ayawaso Central, Henry Quartey.
The three lawmakers were referred to the Committee by the Speaker of Parliament after it emerged that they have absented themselves for a long period of time.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh
Recommended articles
GES expresses concern over surge in body arts among students
GRA terminates 2 SML contracts
Pastor Chris, others hit out at Nigerian pastor's solution to porn addiction
Mahama affirms dedication to enhancing Government-Media partnership on World Press Day
Police investigate alleged electoral offence during Ejisu by-election
Ghanaians deserve respect, not lies — Stan Dogbe
Access to electricity is an important human right — World Bank
Bawumia's emotional moment of Christian worship steals spotlight at event [video]
