Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Majority Leader, has accused the Minority in Parliament of yielding to influences from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to cooperate with them in Parliament.
He explained that the Minority were effectively and efficiently working with the Majority in Parliament, but have in recent times given in to partisanship relating to the work of the House.
“The difficulties of the House in working smoothly, in terms of getting certain agreements passed and coming to a consensus on various issues including the controversial Electronic Transaction Levy (e-levy), has been difficult due to the situation.
“Insisting on partisan position has affected our work because the Minority did so well when we were conducting the vetting, they were cooperative, except on the E-Levy, the forces are bigger than them and has made it virtually impossible for us to proceed.
“Public statements by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu about the caucus’ readiness to accept the E-Levy if the 1.75 per cent rate was reduced as a result of various meetings with the Majority which was welcoming news to them, however, he later changed his mind to stand in total rejection of the bill.
“The government and the Majority caucus are actively engaging the Minority on the passage of the E-Levy and other key decisions the government needs parliamentary approval to enable it effectively and efficiently govern,” Mr Afenyo-Markin affirmed.
He noted that the reason why Parliament had still not proceeded with the E-Levy and still engaging implied there must be some consensus because the 1.5 per cent reduction was not accidental after consensus adding that “if we do not appreciate we need to have consensus, we would not have engaged them”.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu in the Central Region, said the government and the Majority were making progress in getting the Minority get parliamentary approvals for key measures it was putting in place to revive the economy, and optimistic that would be concluded soon.
He maintained that the two caucuses had been engaging which appeared positive, and “if the way we are going, we are able to proceed on that path, we will be able to go through since the government was ready to put itself up to be transparent and accountable for any bill that will be approved including the E-Levy. –citinewsroom.com
