A dramatic walkout by the Minority Caucus in Parliament marred the passage of the Energy Sector Levy Amendment (ESLA) Bill, as opposition members vehemently protested the legislation, culminating in a symbolic gesture of disapproval.
The contentious events unfolded following the Bill’s second reading when Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, challenged First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor’s ruling that “Ayes” had carried the vote after a voice acclamation.
Invoking Order 151(2) of Parliament’s standing orders, which allows a Member to request a headcount if the Speaker’s opinion on voice votes is contested, the Deputy Whip called for a physical count.
In response to the challenge, the Deputy Speaker initiated a headcount by instructing members opposing the question to rise and be counted. However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin insisted that the Majority side of the House should be counted first.
The Speaker rejected this directive, citing Order 152(1), which stipulates that the Speaker shall count votes “by calling on members who support or oppose the question to rise in their places successively to be counted.”
Following Bernard Ahiafor’s refusal to alter the counting procedure, Minority leadership was observed engaging in a symbolic act of washing their hands in a bowl, signifying their profound disapproval of the Bill’s proposed passage. Immediately after this gesture, the Minority Caucus exited the chamber, leaving the Majority to proceed with the legislative agenda.
The Majority subsequently undertook the consideration and third reading of the Energy Sector Levy Amendment Bill, ultimately ensuring its passage despite the Minority’s absence.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
