A heated debate erupted in Parliament after Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga criticized Second Deputy Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib for his inability to cite the correct Standing Order while attempting to ask a question on behalf of a fellow member, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei.
The incident reignited discussions about the importance of parliamentary orientation and procedural knowledge among legislators.
During the session, Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga expressed his concerns, pointing out that a recent parliamentary orientation session had been organized to guide MPs on proper procedures.
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He criticized the Minority’s absence from the training, arguing that their lack of participation had revealed gaps in their procedural knowledge.
“Mr. Speaker just this past weekend you organized an orientation programme to orient Members of Parliament to show them how to do their work. This side of the House chose not to attend and we’re seeing the results and the effect of not attending.
“Mr Speaker this is the more reason why this side of the House must take advantage of the Orientation programme that you organize because we were taught all these things. So please let’s not politicize these affairs. The Speaker knows what he’s doing when he organizes an orientation. Wherever the orientation is please, it is in Ghana, you should attend so that you can do this job very well.
In response, Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annor-Dompreh defended Jerry Ahmed, emphasizing that the caucus had recognized his potential by placing him on the front bench despite being a first-time MP.
He dismissed the criticism, arguing that Jerry Ahmed had simply chosen not to cite the Standing Order rather than being unaware of it.
“Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Jerry Ahmed, this caucus has seen some potential in him that is why on our front-bench he is the only first time MP who has been allowed to sit in front. None of you can sit infront, none of you at back,. What you should be doing is to be taking a cue why the Hon. Ahmed Jerry was recognized by the caucus and was given that mandate to sit in front.
“Mr. Speaker, I think the member elected not to quote the orders, so the Member should be allowed…”
Speaker Alban Bagbin then intervened, providing clarity on the matter by citing Standing Order 88(3), which states that in the absence of a member who has filed a question, another member may ask on their behalf with prior permission from the Speaker.
“In practice, what you must do is state that you have the authority of the absent member, who for a good reason is unavailable, and that they have sought my permission to allow you to ask the question,” Bagbin explained.
He added: “I will be holding members accountable from now on, whether they have been to Ho or Mpraeso. The honeymoon is over.”
Source: Citi news
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