The Member of Parliament of Fomena Andrew Asiamah representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in parliament has attended the Parliament orientation which was boycotted by the minority.
The Minority in Parliament boycotted a three-day orientation programme for Members of the 9th Parliament, currently underway at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, citing concerns over the venue selection and the cost involved.
They believe the choice of location is politically motivated.
According to official photos posted by the handle of the Parliament of Ghana, Andrew Asiamah was spotted at the event despite the minority boycott.
Andrew Amoako Asiamah who also served as the Second Deputy Speaker defied the the directives of his caucus, the Minority, who had decided to boycott a three-day orientation program organized for members of the 9th Parliament.
Andrew Amoako Asiamah in the photos shared on social media was seen speaking into the microphone at the Parliament orientation program for members of parliament.
The information gathered suggests his presence at the orientation, could be attributed to the fact that he is part of the leadership of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has described the Minority’s reasons cost concerns and lack of engagement in the venue selection process as unacceptable.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the ongoing retreat at the Volta Serene Hotel in Alban Bagbin stated, “We lost a great opportunity because the turbulence of Parliament has once again shown itself. I only saw a WhatsApp message stating that our colleagues, our brothers and sisters of the New Patriotic Party, have opted out, giving a reason that is completely unacceptable”.
“There is good reason why we choose venues for this; it is not partisan. There is always a search party, and they go around, discuss with various hospitality providers, look at the cost component, the facilities, their suitability, and the convenience of your movement—because there is pressure on you—and they score marks before we decide where to go”, he stated.
Alban Bagbin further revealed there was no partisanship and that the Parliamentary Service followed the same process, and the final results were brought to him.
“There is no partisanship at all. This time around, the Parliamentary Service followed the same process, and the final results were brought to the Speaker. Unless I have a very good reason why it shouldn’t be at that place, I simply give my approval,” he stated.
