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Speaker declares Amoateng's seat
vacant
Accra, Feb. 9, GNA - The Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes,
on Friday declared the Nkronzah North seat vacant and
accordingly, directed the Clerk of Parliament to inform the
Electoral Commission of the vacancy.
Before the commencement of Public Business, the Speaker
informed the House of a communication received from Mr Eric
Amoateng, (NPP-Nkronzah North), informing the Speaker of his
resignation in accordance with provisions of the
constitution and article 17 of the Standing Orders of
Parliament.
Article 17 of the Standing Orders states that: " A member
who desires to resign his seat in the House shall notify Mr
Speaker in writing under his hand of his intention to resign
his seat and Mr Speaker shall inform the House as soon as
practicable."
The Speaker read out all the contents of Mr Amoateng's
letter on the floor of the House.
The member, in his letter addressed to the Speaker, said: "I
have come to the realization that my people would be better
served in my crises by relinquishing my position."
He said his resignation was voluntary and expressed
appreciation to the Speaker, the Majority and Minority
leaders and the Privileges Committee for the time given him
during his long absence from the house.
Mr Amoateng is facing legal charges in the United States
following his arrest late 2005 for his alleged involvement
in narcotic drugs.
Mr Sekyi Hughes, after reading out the communication, said
Mr Amoateng had complied with "Standing Order 17 in all
material respect."
He said: "In accordance with Standing Order 18, I herby
declare the seat of Nkoranzah North vacant on this 9th day
of February, 2007."
Standing Order 18 states that: " The seat of a member shall
be declared vacant by Mr Speaker under clause (1) (b) to (h)
of Article 97 of the Constitution."
The Speaker then quoted Standing Order 19, and directed the
Clerk of Parliament to inform the Electoral Commission of
the vacancy in accordance with that provision.
Mr Sekyi Hughes told the House that his earlier ruling on
January 30, to the Privileges Committee to re-visit the
position taken by the House to give Mr Amoateng time, had
been overtaken by the communication received from the
member.
He, accordingly, ruled that the matter before the committee
had no effect in the light of the resignation of Mr Amoateng.
GNA
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