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Minority walks out of Parliament over Ayariga’s “insensitive” remarks on Akwatia seat.
Ayariga, addressing the House during proceedings, raised concerns about the delay in formally declaring the Akwatia seat vacant. He questioned Speaker Alban Bagbin on the matter, stressing that parliamentary protocol required the Clerk of Parliament to notify the Electoral Commission within seven days of becoming aware of a vacancy.
“Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk whether he’s aware or not, can he honestly say he is not? The Leader of the Caucus informed this House, and the Clerk himself went to the late MP’s home, met the family, and received confirmation of the death. This was even broadcasted on national television,” Ayariga stated pointedly.
However, Speaker Bagbin pushed back, clarifying that Parliament could only proceed with declaring the seat vacant once it had received a formal letter from the late MP’s family. He emphasized that such official communication was a necessary prerequisite before engaging the Electoral Commission.
The situation escalated when Ayariga alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already begun campaigning ahead of the anticipated by-election, claiming that posters of the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, had been seen promoting her candidacy.
This comment sparked outrage among the Minority, who described Ayariga’s remarks as deeply insensitive and politically charged during a time of national mourning. In a strong act of protest, the Minority MPs rose and walked out of the chamber.
Their walkout signaled strong disapproval of what they perceived as an attempt to politicize the grieving process and undermine parliamentary decorum.
Minority walks out of Parliament over Akwatia seat
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