Members of Parliament (MP) on Monday, December 20, 2021 were engaged in a fight following a disagreement during voting on government’s e-levy bill.
During deliberations, the Minority group National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged the decision by the New Patriotic Party who are the Majority, to place the bill under a certificate of urgency.
Although a voice vote was taken with the First Deputy Speaker ruling in favour of the Majority, the NDC MPs called for a headcount instead.
The chaos erupted when the Minority attempted preventing First Deputy Speaker, Joseph Osei-Owusu, from leaving his seat to participate in the voting process.
This was because at the time, he was presiding over the meeting.
The Minority quickly rush to the Speaker’s table to challenge them resulting in exchanges of blows.
The ensuing clash lasted several hours until peace was restored, with national television broadcasting the drama live.
In the videos some MPs were captured falling to the ground.
Meanwhile, prior to the sitting, the Majority had in press conference questioned the whereabouts of the Speaker, Alban Bagbin.
However, since the bill had been laid before the House, the First Deputy Speaker took over proceedings in the House.
Sitting on the e-levy has since been suspended until January 2022.
