Parliament witnessed a tense exchange when Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Chairman of the Governance and Assurance Committee of Parliament, called on Works and Housing Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, to retract and apologise for describing his committee’s role as a “bully pulpit.”
The dispute arose during discussions about delays in completing housing units for those affected by the Akosombo dam spillage in 2023.
Mr. Ablakwa deemed the Minister’s language inappropriate and insisted on a formal apology.
In his defense, the Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah questioned whether he was not allowed to address the issues raised and defend himself against what he perceived as personal attacks.
Mr. Ablakwa, however, stood firm, warning the Minister about his choice of words and reiterating the need for a retraction and apology, arguing that his actions were fully in line with parliamentary procedures.
“Honourable Minister you will be well advised to watch your diction. You will be well advised. You will be well advised. I will not take that. To suggest that I am using this position as a bully pulpit.”
“You have to retract that because that is not what I am doing here. You must retract and apologise. I am well within my standing orders. You have to retract that. You have to retract and apologise,” he stated.
In response, Mr. Nkrumah countered by questioning whether it was fair for the committee to accuse him of insincerity without allowing him the opportunity to respond or present a different perspective.
“…If you choose to accuse me of insincerity, of introducing red herrings of deflecting that is not about the people. That is you accusing me and if you are accusing me I must have a right to respond.”
Source: Graphic Online
