On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Parliament undertook reshuffles within its committees following the adoption of a report outlining the composition of Select and Standing committees.
Formerly chair of the Mines and Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea,now assumes leadership of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee.
In a reciprocal move, Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, previously chairing Local Government, now oversees the Mines and Energy Committee.
Another significant change places Patrick Yaw Boamah, representing Okaikwei Central, as the new chairman of the Finance Committee.
Additionally, adjustments have been made to committee sizes aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Meanwhile, a contentious Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at amending sections of the 2012 Road Traffic Regulations has been withdrawn from Parliament.
Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, withdrew the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister, citing concerns raised by the public and stakeholders.
He added that “the withdrawal became necessary based on extensive engagement with leadership.”
He further announced, “Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Road Traffic Amendment 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, be withdrawn… it is so withdrawn.”
The Ministry of Transport had previously submitted the Legislative Instrument to Parliament, aiming to amend sections of the 2012 Road Traffic Regulations.
If approved, it would afford Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State certain privileges usually reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles.