The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has stated that sanctions should be imposed on the individual responsible for making derogatory comments against Klottey Korle Member of Parliament, Dr. Zanetor Rawlings, if the Speaker’s one-week ultimatum expires.
Speaker Alban Bagbin, during a parliamentary session on Tuesday March 4, initiated a probe into the matter and set a deadline for the responsible individual to come forward or face expulsion or suspension.
In an interview with Citi News, ACEPA’s Executive Director, Dr Rasheed Draman, argued that enforcing such measures would help protect the integrity of Parliament.
“That call is in the right direction. I mean, if the ultimatum, comes to pass and the person doesn’t own up, maybe whatever, you know, next level of, action that parliament needs to take, parliament should do that because it’s going to be good for the image of all the 265 people who sit in that house.
“It’s going to help, in terms of repairing, I mean, you know, what seems to be eluding them now? I mean, the issue of trust and the issue of respect from the people that they are supposed to represent.
“I would say maybe expulsion might be too harsh. Maybe suspension might be the first level of action, so that at least that can send a clear signal that it’s not going to be tolerated. Since this is the first time we are maybe seeing something like this, a member against another member, in terms of this kind of derogatory, comments.
“So I would say, yes, some punishment, but, how harsh, not expulsion, but, maybe sending a clear message through some kind of suspension,” he stated.
Source: Citi News Room
By: Afua Adwubi Wiafe Akenteng
