Confusion Sets In Parliament over meaning of ‘next day’ as Ofori-Atta “Absence”Continues

Disagreement hit Parliament over the meaning of “next day” as Majority and Minority MPs debated over Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s absence from the House since Monday.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs were of the view that it is unacceptable for the Finance Minister to fail to appear before the House since starting on Monday, that he would be back on the next day.

Mr. Ofori-Atta was expected in Parliament on Tuesday to request financial approval for the Coronavirus Alleviation Programme.

He had disclosed to legislators plans for a GH¢1billion support package for businesses and individuals negatively impacted by the virus.

Since then, however, he has not been in the House.

“Today is 3rd April…he [Ofori-Atta] must take the House of Parliament very seriously. If he promised the next day [and it has four days] Friday 2pm he’s still not here; that attitude I do not think is acceptable to us,” Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu said.

But responding to the concerns of the Tamale South MP, Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said the Finance Minister would surely be in the House before sitting adjourns indefinitely on Saturday.

He said Ofori-Atta made no commitment to come to the House on Tuesday.

“I’m not too sure I heard the Minister say he was going to come the next succeeding day… there’s a world of difference between the next day and the next succeeding day,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu defended.

He added, however, that the Minister will certainly be in the House before MPs rise, adding “members should exercise some patience.”