broadcaster, paid out of public funds will even dare to insult a Member because of what the Member purportedly said about him on the floor of the House. Irrespective of the circumstances, such a responsible officer ought not to have acted in the way as he did.
One will even say that if a public officer of that standing could allow his emotions to cloud his judgement in the manner that he demonstrated on that day, then people will even question his judgements, because for such a public officer even under the greatest stress and strain, he ought to maintain his cool.
In the olden days, that is in the Westminster, I am telling you that such a conduct could merit further action which could lead to him being sanctioned as a public officer through the institution and the legal means laid down for that purpose.
It is in this regard that I am urging Hon Members of this House to consider this matter because I wonder what may have been occurring to the Director-General of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation for him to have uttered those words. It means that psychologically he holds even this House to contempt. For me, he takes Members of Parliament to just be some -- let us say -- a bunch of irresponsible people who have had the opportunity to come and sit in this Chamber and it is unfortunate.
All Hon Members or all Ghanaians should bear in mind that we are not here just through some accident, we thought we had something to offer this country - we went through campaigning. Of course, even for us to subject ourselves to the lowest member of society because we want his vote, means that as human beings, we are prepared to respect each and every citizen of this country.
So people should not think that it is easy to become a Member of Parliament or to hold yourself out for an elective office, public election, it is not a small thing.
It is not a small thing and I am very sad that the Director-General whom I know, who is an old student of the school I attended, could behave in such a manner. However, Mr. Speaker, there is a saying that to forgive is divine and we are not saying that he should be forgiven.
The Committee in its Report is recommending that certain action should be taken by him. And I agree with the Committee's recommendation, but in such a situation, I believe that, we have to be guided by the collective wisdom of the House, and the direction given by Leadership, particularly, the Majority and the Minority Leaders, they should give us guidance.
But for my part, I will say that, this House should take the benefit of the facilities available to the contemnor, that is the Director-General, and let him render that apology. He has direct access to Ghana Television (GTV); he has direct access to GBC radio, and all its regional FM Stations. If this House should consider it fit, which I urge it so to do, to accept this apology, then he should read a public statement on Ghana Television; broadcast on all the radio stations in his own voice.
Take out an advertiser's announcement in the national newspapers at his cost, so that the people of this country would realize that affronting the dignity of this House is something that ought not to be contemplated by anyone, indeed; if an Hon Minister, for purposes of argument, affronts the dignity of this House, this House has the power to pass a resolution, getting him to be removed as a Minister;
that is how serious this thing is.
As for me, I will urge the Director- General to consider what he has done, and note that, he is not a low ranking public servant. His position is protected by the Constitution of this country, and no one can interfere with the exercise of his powers as Director-General. The saying is that:
“To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Assuming it had been, let us say, an ordinary factory hand or a labourer somewhere, one could excuse it, and say that, Oh! he does not know what he is about. But he should have known better. For your conduct to be the subject of debate on the floor of this House as a public officer, is something that would stain his record; but I am urging this House to accept the recommendation of its Committee of Privileges, I believe that he is genuinely remorseful, however, just accepting the apology is not enough.
We should set an example to the people of this country. And I am urging this House, guided by Leadership, to let us craft an apology in such a way that would send a message to everyone in this country, and would also serve as a lesson to the Director-General of GBC that, we, as a House, are an embodiment of the fountain and honour of the collective - [Interruption] -- of this country. I do not think that, in his position, he should let his passion cloud his judgement.
Mr. Speaker, but before I sit down, I
want to say that it is also important as Hon Members of Parliament, to guard our words in this Chamber. It is important, that is one thing that I want to urge us. In this House, we have the privilege of freedom of speech, but it is important that, even in the way we speak, we should also
set an example to Ghanaians. Even the way we conduct ourselves in this Chamber should let Ghanaians feel comfortable describing us as Honourable.
It is also an enormous responsibility, because, look, in a country of 20 million people, we are privileged to be one out of only 230. We have high ranking people, very wealthy people, people who hold positions according to custom; whom we serve customarily, whom we are repre- senting. So we should also embody the title “Honourable” that is attached to our names in everything that we do.
Mr. Speaker, I am saying this because, I believe that once our democracy has come to stay, we, as Hon Members of Parliament should do everything to strengthen democratic values and ethics in this country, and raise the image of this House. That is why, when some people decide to label all parliamentarians in a certain way, make wild allegations in the media about parliamentarians, I believe that it is something that this House, as a House should take up.
When it comes to matters of privilege, please, let us remove our partisan lenses, and ask ourselves how we can use the opportunity to raise the image and dignity of this House.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for this unique
