Atta Akyea vows to prevent Assin North MP from voting on E-Levy

Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea says the Majority Caucus will ensure that the Assin North MP does not partake in any parliamentary business going forward.

The Assin North MP, James Gyakye Quayson has been charged with perjury and forgery by the Attorney-General’s office.

The NDC MP is being accused of deceiving a public officer and knowingly making a false declaration.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Samuel Atta Akyea said once the High Court has declared the MP as a non-legislator, he cannot be allowed to be in the House.

“How can a non-MP be in the Chamber and deliberate on matters considering legislation? They should know better. I was even surprised that the Speaker did not call his attention to the fact that he should get out of the Chamber. Until that decision by the High Court is reversed, he has no right to be in the Chamber,” he said.

He noted that the Majority Caucus will draw the attention of the Speaker anytime the legislator appears in the Chamber to partake in the business of the House.

He also described as preposterous claims by the Minority that criminal prosecution against the MP is to reduce the numbers of the NDC caucus.

“So we are saying that when it comes to criminality and it is the NDC who are affected, we shouldn’t pursue them? We shouldn’t do anything about crime because a bill is pending before Parliament?” Atta Akyea quizzed.

Meanwhile the Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, James Klutse Avedzi has said the Assin North MP will vote when the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy) bill is tabled in Parliament.

Speaking with the media, Mr Avedzi said there is no legal order debarring him from exercising his franchise.

“Who says that he should not vote? If the bill is brought and he is in the Chamber, why won’t he vote?” he quizzed.