
The Petroleum Commission’s acting CEO, Emeafa Hardcastle, will be called in for interrogation on Thursday, January 30, 2025, according to Speaker of the House of Representatives Alban Bagbin. This comes after a reported altercation with Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the minority chief whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri.
The decision comes in light of a widely shared video that showed Annoh-Dompreh and Hardcastle having a heated argument during a break at the Appointments Committee’s January 28 vetting hearing.
In the footage, Hardcastle referred to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus as a “Micro-Minority,” a remark that reportedly offended Annoh-Dompreh. In retaliation, the Minority Chief Whip allegedly threatened to “take Hardcastle on,” a comment that Hardcastle did not take lightly.
“You think you can threaten me because of who you are? Don’t bring yourself into this. What do you mean by taking me on?” she reportedly responded.
Annoh-Dompreh, for his part, reiterated his displeasure with the terminology used by the acting CEO to describe his caucus.
“You called us micro minority?” the MP questioned.
“But you are a micro minority. Doesn’t Afenyo (Minority Leader) himself use that phrase?” Hardcastle responded.
“You think you can bully me here?” she further added.
Amidst the confrontation, the MP also accused the acting CEO of calling him “silly.”
“Please, please, please. You cannot call me silly… We will deal with this matter,” he stated.
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Frank Annoh-Dompreh Petitions Speaker
Addressing the issue on the floor of Parliament, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP expressed dissatisfaction with Hardcastle’s conduct, deeming her remarks as disrespectful and inappropriate for her position.
He urged the Speaker to intervene and ensure the matter is properly addressed:
“I am told she is a lawyer, and I was surprised by the attitude she displayed. Mr. Speaker, I am respectfully bringing this to your attention and further inviting you to take action. I am fully aware that we have not yet constituted our committees. However, pending the formation of the Privileges Committee, I am pleading with you, Mr. Speaker. I know you are passionate about Parliament and the respect we must command in society as an arm of government. I humbly urge you to make consequential orders to ensure that this matter is addressed appropriately.”
Haruna Iddrisu Demands Public Apology
Moreover, Haruna Iddrisu, the MP for Tamale South, also commented on the incident before Parliament. He expressed his displeasure with Hardcastle’s remarks, stating that they undermined Annoh-Dompreh’s standing as an elected MP.
The former Minority Leader urged Hardcastle to issue a public apology, and advised the Minority Chief Whip to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from escalating.
“The justified request made by the Minority Whip regarding this conduct suggests damage to his reputation as an elected Member of Parliament. Mr. Speaker, as I listened to him, I share the sentiments expressed by the Honorable MP for Damongo that this House must stand united in condemning such conduct and demanding an apology. However, I also urge our colleague to reconsider pursuing the matter further before the Privileges Committee, allowing for an amicable resolution,” he stated.
In response, Speaker Bagbin confirmed Hardcastle’s scheduled appearance and assured the House that he would provide an update on the matter by Friday, January 31. “By Friday, I will revert to the House. I hope this is acceptable to the House,” the Speaker stated.
Tamale South MP and Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, also strongly condemned Hardcastle’s conduct and called for a public apology and retraction of her statements.
Meanwhile, Comfort Doyoe, Leader of the Women’s Caucus in Parliament and First Deputy Whip of the Majority Group, urged Annoh-Dompreh to withdraw his petition, indicating she would work towards a resolution of the issue.
very interesting