Bernard Ahiafor, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has denied allegations that he behaved aggressively towards a journalist during a parliamentary meeting earlier this week, calling the stories false and unjust.
In a statement on his official Facebook site, Mr. Ahiafor acknowledged that he had seen articles implying that he had been rude to a journalist, but he maintained that the accounts were inaccurate.
He emphasized that he has always appreciated the vital role journalists play in Ghana’s democratic governance and that he views the media “in the highest regard.”
He claims that over the years, he has continuously maintained a friendly connection with the parliamentary press corps, providing both official and informal interviews.
He clarified that his worries on that particular day had nothing to do with the journalist or the media as a whole, but rather with the way the contact was started.
“Responsible journalism requires that interactions with public office holders, particularly within the precincts of Parliament, are done with courtesy, decorum and mutual respect, it is neither out of place nor unreasonable to request a proper sit-down engagement, as has been the practice in the past.” he stated.
Mr. Ahiafor went on to say that he was still dedicated to making sure that journalists have the resources they required to properly enlighten the public.
Additionally, he invited Christian Yalley, a journalist with TV3, to a private conversation, stating that he was willing to do so “just as I have consistently done with many others, including his senior colleague and my friend, Komla Klutsey, Bismark Kweku Asante and many other media reporters.”
“Mawu neyra mi adenyi gba lorlor la,” which means “May God bless our beloved land,” is how he concluded his statement in Ewe.
The explanation comes after a tense encounter on Tuesday, December 9, when Mr. Yalley sought response from the Deputy Speaker following heated arguments over the Kpandai parliamentary seat’s proclamation as empty, which caused confusion in Parliament.
Proceedings were stopped when the minority gathered in the middle of the room to protest the ruling.
Walking with a few Majority MPs and police officers during the chaos, Mr. Ahiafor refused to be interviewed, claiming that parliamentary procedure had been violated.
“You know the procedure. As a speaker, to speak, you know the procedure to follow. I am not the type that you can put a microphone in my mouth and say, ‘Honourable, Honourable.’ No. Stop this,” he said.
The incident happened after Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga accused the caucus of trying to sabotage legislative work and denounced what he dubbed the Minority’s “continuous and orchestrated protest” over the Kpandai problem.
However, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh said that until the issue was settled, government business will suffer.
Source: newsthemegh.com