The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has lambasted the dishonorable conduct of Members of Parliament in the Chamber in 2021.
Speaking at the National Media Capacity Enhancement programme on Monday, January 10 at the Manhyia Palace, the paramount Chief of the Asantehene said 2021 was a year in which Members of Parliament who are supposed to debate on policies rather put aside that responsibility and engage in boxing to register their displeasure.
Otumfour stated that the 8th Parliament began with chaos and ended with chaos.
“But no one could have expected the year would conclude with an honorable House degenerated into a brawl with very honurable members putting aside their debating skills to exhibit their punching prowess.â€
During the election of the 8th Parliament's Speaker on the dawn of January 7, 2021, a controversy arose in the Chamber paving way for the military to storm the house to restore calm.
The Member of Parliament for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah, snatched some ballot papers and sped away.
This led to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs pursuing him for the snatched ballot papers, causing an uproar in the Chamber.
Again, in December 2021, Ghanaians witnessed Members of Parliament exchanging blows during deliberations on the controversial e-levy policy.
The First Deputy Speaker, Joe Wise, who presided over proceedings in the absence of the Speaker left the speaker's seat for the Second Deputy to take over to enable him to cast his vote in support of the e-levy.
This again led to massive chaos with both caucuses exchanging punches.
Speaking at a programme designed to train some 250 journalists annually across the country, the Asantehene said Ghana has transitioned from a year in which MPs put aside debates and demonstrated boxing skills.
He condemned the act.
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