The Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Annor Dompreh has described as shameful the incidents that occurred in the build-up to the inauguration of the 8th Parliament.

Mr. Dompreh said these incidents could have been avoided if Members of Parliament from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) sides were more patient and had engaged with each other.

Instead, there were scuffles between NDC and NPP MPs over the voting processes for the election of a new Speaker.

“I think it is a big disgrace to the institution of Parliament and also to us as a country. If you look within the sub-region, Ghana has always distinguished itself as a shining example of democracy and the fulcrum of our democracy is our Parliament. We could have avoided the situation.”

He pointed out that both the NDC and NPP caucuses in Parliament should be held responsible for developments in the House.

“I will not agree with my colleague Muntaka that everything should be put at the doorstep of the Majority. If there should be any blame on leadership I think the two of them will have to carry that cross.”

Mr. Dompreh on Citi TV’s Point of View also condemned the snatching of ballot papers by the Member of Parliament for Tema West, Carlos Ahenkorah, saying his actions were unjustifiable.

“The aspect of where my colleague took the ballot box. The reason he ascribes was that he was defending the constitution. He has the right but his right has limits. I also complained several times but under no circumstance did I go near a ballot box so that was wrong.”

Some members of the two caucuses also hassled over sitting positions after the NDC MPs came in early to occupy the Majority side despite not having a majority in Parliament.

Amid the tensions over the voting process, armed military and police personnel then stormed Ghana’s Parliament to confront the NDC MPs.

Many have since called for a thorough parliamentary probe of incidents that occurred on the night.