Parliament on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, witnessed heated exchanges over the use of the dispatch box as the First Deputy Speaker, , ruled that Members of Parliament (MPs) in their representative capacity are not permitted to use the dispatch box to ask questions.
The confusion erupted after the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, walked to the dispatch box to pose an urgent question to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, immediately raised concerns, arguing that there was no basis in the Standing Orders for the Minority Leader to use the dispatch box in this manner.
The Majority Leader insisted that the dispatch box has traditionally been reserved for Ministers responding to questions, ceremonial Heads of State addressing Parliament, and leaders of the House but not to ask a question. "Mr.
