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Mercy360 Blog of Thursday, 30 January 2025

Source: Mercy Mensah

Senyo Hosi defends Emeafa Hardcastle and urges for humility among MPs.

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Senyo Hosi, a businessman and economic policy analyst, has sharply criticized suggestions in Parliament for disciplinary action against the Petroleum Commission's Acting Chief Executive, Emeafa Hardcastle, following a verbal incident with Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

Hosi contends that MPs are not immune to criticism and must stay humble in their interactions with constituents.

In a Facebook post, Hosi reacted to Annoh-Dompreh's appeal for the Speaker of Parliament to take action against Hardcastle, saying that Parliament's jurisdiction does not extend beyond its regular sessions.

"It is only when Parliament is constituted that submissions to a parliamentarian on the floor or to Parliament can be contemptuous," Hosi says.

"Once Parliament rises, an MP is just another citizen. Parliament's building is not Parliament itself. Parliament is formed by its members sitting together," he continued.

His statements are in response to the altercation between Madam Hardcastle and Mr. Annoh-Dompreh on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, during the vetting of Defence Minister-designate Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.

When Parliament's Appointments Committee was suspended for a few minutes, the two reportedly exchanged furious words.

As Annoh-Dompreh exited the room, Hardcastle allegedly challenged him, questioning his authority and dismissing what she saw as an intimidation attempt against her.

"You're threatening me that you'll take me on? So, who are you? What exactly do you mean by "taking me on?" You constitute a micro-minority. Isn't Afenyo-Markin himself using that phrase? I don't have the time for this. "You think you can bully me here?" she was quoted as saying.

Annoh-Dompreh became outraged and took the subject to the floor of Parliament, describing the exchange as disrespectful and requesting the Speaker to take disciplinary action.

Hosi, on the other hand, was vehemently opposed to this approach, backing Hardcastle's right to express herself and criticizing what he viewed as an attempt to suppress a citizen by political power.

"You threaten a citizen, claiming you will deal with her, and expect her to be intimidated? "I don't tolerate bullies, and neither does Emeafa," he asked.

Responding to calls for a public apology, Senyo Hosi stated that Madam Hardcastle had previously apologised individually to Annoh-Dompreh and saw no need for further atonement.

"She owes no one a public apology, especially since she apologized privately to the MP. "He said it himself yesterday," he emphasized.

Despite his criticism, Senyo Hosi appreciated Annoh-Dompreh's eventual restraint, but stated he should have showed control sooner to keep the matter from deteriorating.

"I applaud Annoh-Dompreh for his poise on set. I wish he'd done it sooner to avoid the provocation."

Hosi closed his post with a larger message on governance, encouraging MPs to remember that their power comes from the people and that respect must be earned.

"I respect Parliament, but its members are not superior humans," he claimed. "Respect the citizens and win their respect. Always remember to be humble, since your strength comes from the people," he said.

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