The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is slated to meet with the Petroleum Commission’s Acting CEO, Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, today, January 30.
This meeting follows a heated exchange between Ms. Hardcastle and the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, during a hearing of the Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28.
The altercation, which has since aroused debate in political and legislative circles, apparently occurred during Dr. Omane Boamah’s vetting as Defense Minister-designate.
According to sources, an exchange of words between her and Annoh-Dompreh escalated, prompting the MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri to express concern about what he sees as an unjust attack on his reputation as legislator.
Following the heated exchange, Annoh-Dompreh formally petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, asking him to intervene by issuing “consequential orders” prior to the formation of the Privileges Committee.
Bagbin to meet Emeafa Hardcastle today
The Privileges Committee, which is in charge of investigating instances involving misbehavior or violations of parliamentary norms, has yet to be formed.
The Minority Chief Whip expressed serious discontent with the occurrence and asked that prompt action be taken to address what he called a “unprovoked attack” on him in his official capacity as a legislator.
In response to the Minority Chief Whip’s concerns, Speaker Bagbin acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the House that he would meet with the Petroleum Commission’s Acting CEO before formally establishing the Privileges Committee.
This meeting, slated to take place behind closed doors, will most likely be an opportunity for the Speaker to hear Ms. Emeafa Hardcastle’s side of the story and analyze the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.
