The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah has warned members of parliament of the new patriotic party (NPP) ahead of censorship against Ken Ofori Atta.
The NPP has ordered its Members of Parliament (MPs) to abstain from the vote of censure against the embattled Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
The party has thus asked the chief whips of the Caucus to ensure the order is complied with.
Simon Osei Mensah in an interview on Oyerepa Breakfast show opined that the NPP gave birth to the Akufo-Addo’s government which the MPs had the opportunity to be part of, for this reason, if it gives directives, those orders must be adhered to.
He explained that “NPP party gave birth to the government so there’s a thin line between the party and the government… Whilst I agree that almost always the interest of the state should be first, there are times that you have to give respect to the party that brought you. If the party gives directives, that’s the position.“
“If the party gives you a platform you must respect the party.”
When he was asked by the host if the MPs could face some punishment should they despise the NPP’s directives to partake in the censorship voting against Ofori-Atta, the Ashanti Regional Minister explained that the MPs could face serious consequences despite having the democratic right.
“It’s their democratic right, I’ll say the party should not punish them, but at the appropriate time, there’s a decision to be made… There’re several consequences. .. You can’t eat your cake and have it.” He emphatically stated.
It should be noted that the Minority Caucus has submitted a motion of censure against the Finance Minister.
Among the reasons for the motion is the mishandling of the economy, purported withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund, and illegal payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts.
As a result, all NDC MPs have been instructed not to miss sittings in order to achieve the required number.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com / Joseph Marfo
