Press statement:
The leadership of Ashanti MPs Caucus observes with grave concern the treatment meted out to our colleague, Hon. Philip Basoa, MP for Kumawu on the occasion of the confirmation of the President’s DCE nominee at Kumawu last week.
Per the personal account and the video evidence available to us, the honourable member was physically prevented by heavily armed security men from entering the meeting premises.
We strongly condemn in no uncertain terms the behaviour of the security men, the Presiding member and whoever authorised their action.
Let it be stated that the MP was legally well placed to participate in the said meeting in his capacity as an ex-officio member of the Assembly, in accordance with section 5 of the Local Government act, 2016 (Act 936).
Again, in accord with Article 122 of the Republican Constitution, it is unlawful and indeed a contempt of parliament for an MP to be prevented from undertaking his constitutional duty of representation.
Against this background, we find this disrespectful and humiliating conduct of the security men and the Presiding member unacceptable.
We call on the leadership of Parliament to take this matter to the Committee on Privileges to bring the security men and the Presiding Member to answer why they should not be charged for contempt of parliament.
Let it be clear that, in the spirit of the separation of powers, Members of Parliament are not subservient to the Executive and we will not accept the use of executive authority to humiliate and disrespect honourable members of Parliament in the region.
We wish to caution all, including security men, to desist from such illegal conduct against any MP as we will not hesitate to use every constitutional procedure and privileges available to us to protect ourselves from such unlawful and shameful conducts.
Hon. Kwame Anyimadu Antwi
(Chairman)
