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A tense exchange unfolded at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, May 18, between the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and Committee Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare, over concerns about poor service delivery by mobile network operators in Ghana.
The confrontation arose after Minister George attributed the telecommunications challenges to what he described as weak policy decisions, poor governance, and leadership gaps under the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
“Private businesses operate to make profits, and those profits were paid to you over eight years at the Finance Ministry as corporate taxes,” he said, addressing the Chairperson. “Policy decisions and leadership should ensure customer protection. Under this government’s reset agenda, we have taken steps to do so.”
In response, Chairperson Osei-Asare, who served as a Minister of State at the Finance Ministry under the previous administration, interrupted the Minister, warning against what she considered offensive remarks and urging him to focus on the issue at hand.
“I am not heckling you, but we beg you, just go straight to the point,” she said.
The interruption drew a sharp reaction from Minister George, who called on Ranking Member Samuel Atta Mills, presiding over the sitting, to address the Chairperson’s conduct. He accused her of being unruly and trying to derail his response.
“This is unbecoming of a Member of Parliament. You have asked a question, I have the floor—let me answer. If it is your committee, then don’t invite us. Respectfully, let me finish,” he said.
Chairperson Osei-Asare defended her intervention, saying it was meant to ensure clarity and focus in the proceedings, not to undermine the Minister.
“When we address issues here, it is not about talking anyone down. Minister, the situation is serious, and that is the point I am trying to make,” she explained.
Although the exchange briefly disrupted the session, proceedings resumed shortly afterward.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv