The controversial E-Levy was tabled in parliament today under certificate of urgency by the Majority Caucus and the Finance Minister.
Upon several exchange of debate statements between the Majority and Minority side of parliament, it was clear minority were against the Levy while the Majority insisted on passing the Levy.
The Minority group after it closing Debate read by it leader Haruna Idrissu, walked out of the floor of parliament, leaving only the Majority members present.
Originally the Majority group has 138 members, however the MP for Dome Kwabenya, Adwoa Safo was absent in Parliament, making them at most 137 in number.
According to the standing Orders as captured in Article 104, not less than half the number of Parliamentarians (ie 138 MPs or more) must be present and voting before quorum can be formed for parliament to take decisions such as Passing the E-Levy.
There are 275 MPs in total, so more than half of the total MPs means at least 138 MPs is required to form quorum in situations that involves voting in Parliament as captured in Article 104.
Premised on the fact that only 137 MPs (less than half of total MPs) were present and voting during the passage of the bill , thus the minimum number of 138 MPs needed to form quorum under Article 104 was not satisfied hence all votings done there after on the floor breached Article 104, and hence the passage of the E-Levy which was done by way of voice voting is unconstitutional.
