Parliament witnessed a heated exchange between Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Chairman of the Governance and Assurance Committee, and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister for Works and Housing, over comments made during discussions about the delay in providing housing for people affected by the Akosombo dam spillage in 2023.
The dispute started when Mr. Ablakwa called on Mr. Nkrumah to apologise for referring to his committee’s role as a “bully pulpit.” Mr. Ablakwa felt the Minister’s words were disrespectful and demanded a retraction and formal apology. He argued that he was conducting himself according to parliamentary procedures and did not appreciate being accused of using his position inappropriately.
In his defense, Mr. Nkrumah stood his ground, questioning if he wasn’t allowed to respond to what he saw as personal attacks. He asked if it was fair for the committee to accuse him of being insincere without giving him the chance to defend himself or present his side of the issue.
Mr. Ablakwa did not back down and warned the Minister to be careful with his words. He repeated his demand for an apology, stating that his actions were well within his rights according to parliamentary rules. He made it clear that he would not accept the claim that he was using his position to bully others.
Mr. Nkrumah, however, insisted that he had the right to respond, especially when accusations of dishonesty or deflection were directed at him. He argued that if he was being accused, he deserved a chance to explain or defend himself.
The exchange highlighted the growing tension over the handling of the Akosombo dam spillage issue, with both men standing firm in their positions.
