The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bekwai, Joseph Osei-Owusu, also known as Joe Wise, has criticised the media for what he perceives as the creation of needless controversies.

In response to a question about the seating arrangements for the Majority and Minority during Monday's convening at the Conference Centre, Joe Wise stated that the Supreme Court had already made a clear ruling on the matter, adding that the Supreme Court's decision should have settled the issue of who is supposed to be seated in the Majority and Minority sections.

Joe Wise emphasised that the media's insistence on revisiting this topic only serves to stir up unnecessary confusions and tensions.

He urged the media to respect the Supreme Court's ruling and to avoid generating further controversies over an issue that has been legally resolved.

“What brought about that? Is that matter still pending? Has the Supreme Court not ruled it out? So, there’s no question. Sometimes, frankly, you in the media generate needless controversy. If somebody else is insisting that those other MPs are no longer Members of Parliament, let that person be bold and say it.

"After the Supreme Court ruling, we should not encourage these things. Whatever or whoever came to that conclusion, the Supreme Court says you're wrong. The Honourable Asiamah is a Member of Parliament, Cynthia is a Member of Parliament, all four of them are Members of Parliament. So, the question is, where will you sit?" he said.

The MP further stated that “We will sit where we have sat from 2021 to date. Well, what else can you expect? Some people are demoralized, so you don't expect everybody to be here. It’s normal. From my experience in the last four parliaments, the last few days, we hardly get full attendance. I won't be surprised if we don't get the members.”

When asked if the House would discuss any matters related to a bill, Joe Wise responded that the agenda for the December 16, 2024 meeting did not include any bill-related issues.

He stated “I'm not aware that any bill is going to be discussed today. The business of the House did not include any bill, so, I don't expect any matter relating to the bill to be discussed today.

"I think there was some misunderstanding. There was a business committee meeting scheduled, and there was a caucus meeting scheduled. Whoever went in earlier and dissolved that meeting knew that members of the Majority were having a caucus meeting. Of course, during those times, mischief was also part of the political scene, so you should understand that.”

Meanwhile, here are the key issues expected to be deliberated on in Parliament before they rise:

1. The approval of the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy Statement.

2. The revocation of the L.I. on mining in forest reserves.

3. The approval of the $250 million Ghana Financial Stability Fund.

4. The approval of the $250 million Ghana Energy Sector loan.

5. The approval of $350 million worth of tax waivers.

6. The approval of the appointment of 2 Supreme Court justices.

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