Former Railway Minister and Former MP for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey, has stated that it is premature to assess the full impact of the new parliamentary standing orders, which were passed during the 8th Parliament.
Speaking on Focus on ABC on February 6, Ghartey highlighted key provisions of the 2024 Standing Orders, particularly its efforts to strengthen minority representation.
“What it does is that it gives certain positions to the minority that did not exist in the previous standing orders (2000),” he noted, adding that it prevents smaller parties from being sidelined.
Despite acknowledging its potential benefits, he insisted, “I think it’s too early for us to see the impact.”
Touching on the Speaker’s decision to suspend MPs over misconduct, Ghartey expressed strong disagreement, arguing that neither the Constitution nor the Standing Orders grant such powers.
“He set up a committee, which I agree with, but when he suspended the MPs, I had a little difficulty with that,” he remarked. According to him, the matter should have been referred to the yet-to-be-established Privileges Committee.
“I am glad that the decision has been vacated. I think it was an error. But right now, what is left is crucial, and the committee should do its work and come out with its report,” he urged.
Calling for urgent reforms, Ghartey emphasized the need for Parliament to immediately constitute the Appointment Committee and the Privileges Committee.
“Because immediately Parliament starts sitting, somebody can make contempt of Parliament,” he warned.
He urged the leadership to act swiftly to ensure discipline and proper parliamentary conduct.
