Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin has criticised the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, over the way he addressed Members of Parliament during proceedings in the House.
The disagreement occurred during a parliamentary session when Sam George was speaking while pointing toward Minority backbench Members with his left hand. The gesture quickly drew objections from the Minority side, leading to a heated exchange on the floor of Parliament.
Reacting to the incident, Afenyo Markin said the minister’s conduct was inappropriate and disrespectful. According to him, there was no reason for Sam George to address fellow lawmakers using his left hand, a gesture that he said many people consider culturally disrespectful in Ghanaian society.
The Effutu Member of Parliament stressed that Parliament is a respected national institution where members must conduct themselves with decorum and mutual respect regardless of political differences. He urged the minister to be mindful of such gestures in future interactions within the chamber.
The incident reportedly followed an earlier disagreement during the debate, when Sam George made comments directed at some Minority Members whom he described as new to Parliament. The remark triggered protests from the Minority side, who demanded an apology from the minister.
As the tension escalated, Afenyo Markin intervened and expressed his displeasure over both the remarks and the manner in which the minister gestured while addressing MPs.
Sam George later responded by clarifying that he did not intend to disrespect any member of the House. He explained that his comments were part of the debate and were not meant to insult or undermine the Minority.
The exchange has since attracted public attention, with many observers discussing the importance of respectful conduct and cultural sensitivity within parliamentary proceedings.
The episode also highlights the intense political debates that often occur in Ghana’s Parliament, where members from both sides regularly challenge each other during discussions on national issues.
