By Godwill Arthur- Mensah 

Accra, June 20, GNA-Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on Friday, raised issues with the appropriateness of the entry of Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), into the chamber of Parliament, to allegedly take pictures with NDC legislators. 

According to the Minority Leader, the incident occurred when the House was suspended for five minutes by the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, who was presiding at the time. 

Mr. Afenyo-Markin, also the MP for Effutu Constituency, alleged that Mr. Nketia’s presence in the chamber was to lobby NDC MPs, as he was seeking to lead the NDC as its flagbearer in the 2028 general elections, after the exit of President John Dramani Mahama. 

The Minority Leader asked the Speaker to rule on the matter since the mace of Parliament, which signifies the authority of the House, was still in the Chamber at the time. 

In a quick response, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, said the NDC National Chairman is not a stranger to the chamber since he was once a parliamentarian for three terms. 

More so, Mr. Nketia entered the chamber when the House was on suspension. 

Mr. Ayariga said: “Mr. Speaker, it will surprise you that some NPP MPs were even struggling to take pictures with Asiedu Nketia, who is endeared by all because of his charismatic leadership.” 

The response from Mr. Ayariga sparked spontaneous cheers and laughter from both sides of the House, including Mr. Afenyo-Markin reeling in laughter on his seat. 

In his ruling, Mr. Amoako, the Second Deputy Speaker, said Mr. Nketia, had held prominent positions in Parliament as an MP, including being a chairman of the Parliamentary Service Board. Therefore, he could visit the House occasionally to observe proceedings. 

He said Mr. Stephen Ntim, the NPP National Chairman could also visit the chamber to observe proceedings, noting that, such personalities are often made to sit at the Speaker’s Special Guest area. 

GNA 

Edited by Benjamin Mensah