MPs of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) on the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Friday boycotted the vetting of Deputy Local Govt Minister-designate, Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah.
Mensah Korsah is also the controversially elected MP for Techiman South and the man whose election is still under contest in court by his main opponent, the NDC’s Christopher Beyere Baasongti.
After voting with their feet, the Minority explained they abstained because they did not want to endorse illegality by vetting the controversial MP.
“We hold a strong view that through the use and misuse of state security apparatus and state security agencies, he [Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah] procured the seat through violence which resulted in the loss of life. There is no investigation, there is no visit by the Minister for Defence or Interior to commiserate, sympathise and console with the family nor even the contemplation of compensation to the family for those valuable lives lost just for him to emerge as a Member of Parliament,” said Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrissu.
Hon. Idrissu who is also the MP for Tamale South pointed out that the controversial election of Agyei Korsah had resulted in the murder of two people.
He also reminded that the NDC’s Candidate, Christopher Baasongti is in court over the controversial election of Mensah Korsah.
The Techiman South election had been punctuated by controversy, violence and murder.
After the Electoral Commission had declared the NPP’s Agyei Mensah Korsah winner, supporters of the NDC had massed up around the collation center and protested.
Heavily armed Police officers were called in and they opened fire, with some bullets hitting unarmed civilians. At least two people died.
The NDC Candidate has since gone to court over the election.
Meanwhile, during his appearance before a one-sided Appointments Committee, Mr. Agyei Mensah Korsah expressed solidarity with victims of the violence, pledging to assist in ensuring that the victims get justice.
“We regret what happened, we don’t think it should have happened, it appeared reckless and it was unnecessary. It was an election and we don’t think that anybody should have lost his/her life. Unfortunately, that was what happened. We are committed to ensuring that there is justice for all those who lost their lives and those who got injured.
“We have collaborated in ensuring that first and foremost we unify the constituency. Justice goes with that. As I speak I am aware that some investigations which were conducted by the Police, I am told are ready,” he told the Committee.