General News of Monday, 21 November 2005

Source: --

MP Amoateng To Lose Seat?

JoyOnline -- Deputy Minority Leader, Edward Doe Adjaho has been reacting to issues concerning the arrest of the MP for Nkoranza North and whether he sought permission before he left the country.

Mr Adjaho says it?s in line with Parliamentary procedure as the MP has been absent from the house without permission.

He told a local radio station -Joy FM - there is no doubt the MP would lose his seat if he does not return to Parliament in 15 days.

Mr Doe Adjaho explained that MPs ought to seek permission from the Speaker of Parliament if they want to travel in accordance with Parliamentary standing orders. But it appears the MP did not seek any permission before embarking on his trip to the US.

?It?s a bit dicey because if he has been granted permission then the question is for how long have they given him permission and what will happen if the initial permission has expired. Who is going to renew it for him?

Again the second issued is that will it be fair for people of a particular constituency to be denied the services of their MP for the whole period of the trial?

It would have been different if it were in Ghana here, he will be going to court and coming back and therefore put his services at the disposal of his constituents. Where his constituents cannot avail themselves of his services, what will be the consequences and I am not too sure for an answer for them.

If he was not granted permission then for 15 days without permission from the Speaker of Parliament, it means your seat has been vacant; there is no dispute about it. It?s very clear; it?s a constitutional provision, which is found in the standing order of Parliament,? he said.