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Deputy Communications Director of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mame Yaa Aboagye, has slammed Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin for using what she terms as "foul language" on the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

President's Stance

President Nana Addo, commenting on the recent Supreme Court ruling that says a "Deputy Speaker is entitled to be counted as a member of Parliament for quorum" and can as well "vote and take part in the decision of parliament", expressed dissenting views to the criticisms against the ruling.

He explained that, "our Speaker is expressly not a member of the Assembly, that's why he doesn't have the right to vote. In fact, he is really not even to participate in the deliberations of the House. He is the referee making sure that the debate is conducted properly and the rules of procedure or the orders of the House are complied with. That's his role".

The President also added, "that is not the case with the Deputy of Speaker and that matter is transparent on the face of our constitution. Indeed, even the Presiding members of our district Assemblies, they have the right to vote. Look at the district Assembly law because they are members of the Assembly and once you are a member of the Assembly, you are representing certain constituencies."

"The legislative power of Parliament [that is vested] that is of the State which is vested in Parliament is subject to the provisions of the constitution. All organs of the Ghanaian State including me as the Head of Executive, we are all subject to the teachings of the constitution. There is nobody in the Ghanaian State that is above the fundamental law of the land," he expounded.

He also stressed; "If you are denied the right to vote, [it will mean] it is tantamount to denying the right of the people you represent to have a say in the decision of the Assembly. That will not be right. So, I couldn't understand all this furore and controversy artificially generated".

Speaker Rebukes President

But the Speaker, in response to the President, described the court ruling as a ''reckless incursion into the remit of Parliament''.

He labeled the President's statements as ''myopic'' saying, "I have resisted the temptation of making a comment on the judgment of the Supreme Court on the issue of the voting rights of Deputy Speakers when presiding. But the unfortunate and myopic comment of the President has compelled me to let it out. The SC decision, is to say the least, not only an absurdity but a reckless incursion into the remit of Parliament".

"The trend of unanimity is equally troubling. It doesn’t help explore and expand our legal jurisprudence. The President’s comment is myopic and unfortunate. It only goes to worsen the schism between the Executive and Parliament," Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin further said in a statement issued by him.

Mame Yaa Fires Back

Mame Yaa Aboagye bemoaned the Speaker's reply to the President saying he (Bagbin) must know his position goes with responsibilities and one of which is to use decorous language.

She rebuked the Speaker saying, "you don't use words like myopic, reckless among others for the First Gentleman of the country when speaking to him in your capacity as Speaker of Parliament. As a Speaker, you are bound by your conventions to use appropriate words. For me, Speaker Bagbin was harsh and should retract his words".

Mame Yaa Aboagye called for an apology from Mr. Bagbin stressing, "he must take back his words, apologize and act honorably as a Speaker. This behaviour doesn't suit the sanctity of his office''.

The NPP Deputy Communications Director however applauded the President for giving an insightful interpretation to the court ruling.

"You know His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo is an excellent lawyer and knows the constitution of Ghana so well. He gave an apt comment showing his unmatched understanding of legal issues. Any person who wants to be fair and objective should go back and listen to the President or read his comment online and will understand that he was absolutely right in what he said. This is the man that we all have to support; such an intelligent leader. NPP is indeed the right party for Ghanaians. I have no doubts we will win the 2024 elections," she asserted.