Joe Wise Criticizes Media for Stirring Unnecessary Controversies Over Minority and Majority Seating

Joseph Osei-Owusu, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bekwai, has sharply criticized the media for continuing to stir unnecessary controversies surrounding the seating arrangements for the Majority and Minority in Parliament. Speaking during the December 16, 2024, session at the Conference Centre, Joe Wise expressed his dissatisfaction with the media’s persistent focus on this issue despite a clear ruling from the Supreme Court on the matter.

According to Joe Wise, the Supreme Court’s decision on the seating dispute should have put the matter to rest. He emphasized that the media’s ongoing attention to the issue only serves to generate confusion and tension. “Why is this still being questioned? Hasn’t the Supreme Court already made its ruling?” he asked. “There is no controversy here. The media should not be creating unnecessary drama.”

Joe Wise further pointed out that if anyone still insisted that certain Members of Parliament (MPs) were no longer legitimate members, they should state their position clearly. He stressed that the Supreme Court had already affirmed the legitimacy of MPs such as Honourable Asiamah and Cynthia, and that the debate over seating was resolved with the ruling. He expressed his frustration with individuals and media outlets continuing to question a decision that had been legally settled.

“The Supreme Court has ruled, and that should be the end of it,” he reiterated, urging the media to respect the Court’s decision and avoid generating further controversy. He added that media attention on this issue was undermining the smooth functioning of Parliament and distracting from more pressing matters.

The First Deputy Speaker also acknowledged that full attendance might not be expected at Parliament, especially toward the end of the session. “Some people are demoralized, and that’s normal,” he said, noting that during his extensive experience in Parliament, he had often observed low attendance in the final days of a parliamentary session. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see all members present,” he added, highlighting the often challenging dynamics of Parliament as it winds down.

Regarding the agenda for the day’s session, Joe Wise clarified that there were no bills scheduled for discussion. “I’m not aware of any bills being discussed today. The business of the House did not include any bills,” he confirmed. “There was some misunderstanding regarding the business committee meeting and the caucus meeting. It’s important to recognize that mischief can sometimes accompany political environments like this one.”

Joe Wise’s remarks reflect his frustration with the media’s handling of the seating controversy, urging the press to focus on more substantive issues rather than rehashing settled matters. He reminded the media and the public that the legal resolution from the Supreme Court should have been the final word on the issue, and that continuing to raise the matter only fuels unnecessary disputes.

He also called on the media to be more responsible in their coverage of parliamentary affairs and to avoid sensationalism that could distract from the real work that Parliament is supposed to carry out. By continuing to revisit issues that have already been resolved, he argued, the media contributes to undermining the work of Parliament and its members, preventing them from focusing on the important legislative business at hand.

Joe Wise concluded by emphasizing the importance of respecting the legal processes and focusing on the work that the people of Ghana had elected MPs to do. He urged Parliament and the media alike to move forward and address the matters that were most pressing for the country’s progress, rather than engaging in unnecessary controversies that only serve to divide and distract.