Minority Demands Stern Sanctions Against Petroleum Commission CEO For ‘Egregious Contempt’
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has criticised the conduct of Ms. Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, following what they describe as a blatant act of contempt against the Legislature.
According to the Minority, Ms. Hardcastle described a senior Member of Parliament and the Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, as ‘silly,’ after allegedly seeking to direct him in the execution of his parliamentary duties.
This conduct, the Caucus insists, constitutes a serious attack on parliamentary authority and must not go unpunished.
Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in a statement indicated the incident is one of the most flagrant attacks on the dignity of Parliament in recent memory.
“Such behaviour strikes at the foundation of our democracy and must be met with firm parliamentary sanctions,” he said.
The matter was raised on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, 28th January, by Hon. Annoh-Dompreh, and legislators from both sides of the House expressed outrage at what they deemed unacceptable disrespect toward the Legislature.
In reference to past cases, the Minority leader cited Hon. K. T. Hammond v. William Ampem Darko, a precedent where Parliament reaffirmed that no public official has the authority to dictate or verbally attack a Member of Parliament for executing their duties.
“This Parliament has always stood firm in safeguarding its privileges. The dignity of this House is non-negotiable, and any attempt to undermine it will face severe consequences,” he stated.
With Parliament’s Committee on Privileges and Immunities yet to be constituted, the Rt. Hon. Speaker has opted to personally hear representations from both parties on Thursday, 30th January. The Speaker’s ruling, expected on Friday, is anticipated to set a strong precedent.
“We expect nothing less than a decisive ruling from the Speaker that will deter future occurrences of such contemptuous behavior,” added Hon. Afenyo-Markin.
The Minority Caucus has proposed a range of penalties, including fines, temporary restriction from Parliament, a mandatory public apology, and even possible imprisonment.
He stressed that public officials must understand that interaction with Parliament demands the highest standards of decorum and respect.
Minority leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin
