Second Deputy Speaker’s handling of budget vote was embarassing

The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed has raised concerns over the actions of Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Amoako Asiamah.

The legislator criticized Asiamah for the suspension of parliamentary proceedings following a contentious voice vote that resulted in the rejection of the budget allocation for the Ministry of Finance.

The disagreement emerged during a parliamentary debate on the government’s budget allocations across ministries, with the Minority expressing opposition to the Finance Ministry’s budget. This dissent led to a crucial voice vote.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Muhammed voiced his dissatisfaction with Asiamah’s handling of the situation, suggesting that the suspension of the session was a deliberate move.

“A voice vote was taken and it was very clear that we rejected the budget because the NOs were heard louder than the YES, and for which reason they could not give a ruling. For me that was embarrassing.

“The moment a voice vote is taken; the speaker should be able to determine whether the Nos have it or Yes have it. And remember, the voice vote was taken two times and the second deputy Speaker didn’t give his ruling, he just said he was suspending the sitting”.

He added, “In any case, the vote had been completed. It was only that the second deputy speaker failed to rule on the voice voting. So even if we suspended sitting and we reconvened, he needed to give rulings. There wasn’t a need for a third vote to be done”.