The Minority Caucus in Parliament has condemned the conduct of Ms. Victoria Emeafa Hardcastle, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, describing it as “egregious contempt” of the House.
Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, said in a statement that Ms. Hardcastle’s behavior on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, was “one of the most flagrant attacks on parliamentary dignity in recent memory”.
The controversy surrounds Ms. Hardcastle’s attempt to direct the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annor-Dompreh, on the execution of his parliamentary duties, as well as her description of a senior Member of Parliament as “silly”.
The Minority Caucus said in a statement it views the attacks as an “egregious assault on parliamentary authority” that cannot go unchallenged.
“The dignity of Parliament is non-negotiable, and those who choose to assault it must face commensurate consequences,” the statement emphasized.
he Minority Leadership is calling for exemplary sanctions against Ms. Hardcastle, including fines, imprisonment, restriction from parliamentary precincts, and a mandatory public apology.
The matter has been referred to the Speaker of Parliament, who is expected to rule on it on Friday, January 31, 2025.
The Minority Caucus is optimistic that the Speaker’s decision will send a strong message to public officials and individuals who may contemplate similar contemptuous conduct in the future.
Below is the Minority caucus’ statement
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