TIG Post

Tag: Majority

  • We’ve been patient, but now you are overdoing it – Mahama Ayariga blasts Afenyo-Markin

    We’ve been patient, but now you are overdoing it – Mahama Ayariga blasts Afenyo-Markin

    Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has strongly criticized his fellow leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, for his behavior in the chamber.

    Speaking in Parliament on March 18, 2025, during a session where the Minister of Interior answered questions about national security, Ayariga accused Afenyo-Markin of trying to use government discussions for political showmanship.

    He said his side had been patient with Afenyo-Markin for a while, understanding his political tactics. However, they now feel he has gone too far and crossed the line.

    “And coming from you the Minority Leader, who is supposed to offer leadership on this side is quite unfortunate. Don’t use this platform for political gimmicking when it’s not necessary. You have consistently tried to do that and we have accommodated you but we think you are overdoing it,” he said.

    Ayariga raised his concerns when Afenyo-Markin, while questioning the Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, made serious claims about armed individuals.

    He criticized Afenyo-Markin for making unverified allegations, arguing that this went against the rules of Parliament on how questions should be asked when ministers appear before the House.

    The Bawku Central MP also expressed concern over what he saw as Afenyo-Markin misusing parliamentary privileges and authority.

    “I continue to get worried about the manner in which the Minority Leader uses the facilities in this House [Parliament]. The opportunity to question ministers is closely governed by Order 86 with the type of questions you can ask.

    “You cannot ask questions that contain charges which the member asking the question is not in the position to substantiate.

    These are all matters that governs questions. You just made a statement about some people wielding guns, if we ask you to substantiate that claim with videos, can you do that now on the floor?” he questioned Afenyo-Markin.

    He also accused Afenyo-Markin of trying to damage the reputation of the Minister of Interior with his remarks, calling them unlawful and unconstitutional.

    “You just made a statement questioning the character and integrity of the minister, asking him not to condone unconstitutionality. Mr Speaker, this is inappropriate. You can ask him further questions after he gave answers to the earlier ones but to make a statement that condone unconstitutionality and illegality is totally out of place,” he concluded.

  • Bagbin inaugurates 9th Parliamentary Service Board

    Bagbin inaugurates 9th Parliamentary Service Board

    The 9th Parliamentary Service Board of Ghana has been inaugurated to oversee parliamentary administration, operations, and welfare.

    The board, chaired by Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, consists of both current and former MPs.

    Their mandate includes managing parliamentary affairs, ensuring the well-being of MPs and staff, and addressing operational challenges.

    The members of the board are Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament and Chairman; Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Clerk to Parliament; Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central and Majority Leader; Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu and Minority Leader; Angela Oforiwa Alorwu-Tay, former MP for Afadjato South; and Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, former MP for New Juaben South.

    During the inauguration, Speaker Bagbin urged the Majority Leader to focus on strengthening security within the parliamentary precincts.

    “One of the challenges that need to be addressed is to secure the parliamentary enclave to ensure the safety of members and staff. This has been a worrying matter for parliament for some time now; we are actually insecure here.

    “We are not safe. Sometimes people can come in and attack us or staff, and anytime there is an attempt to apprehend them, they scale over the wall and escape into the forest. This is vital for the functioning of parliament. I believe the ninth board will work assiduously to make this a reality.

    “I will call on the leaders of the house to follow up on this matter,” he stated.

  • Minority clad in black, Majority in white for Mahama’s 2025 SONA

    Minority clad in black, Majority in white for Mahama’s 2025 SONA

    President John Mahama arrived in Parliament today, Thursday, February 27, to deliver his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) since beginning his second term.

    However, the atmosphere in the chamber was marked by a stark contrast in attire, with the Minority Caucus dressed in black and the Majority in white, symbolizing their opposing stances on the president’s address.

    As Mahama began his speech, outlining his vision under the “Resetting Ghana” agenda, the Minority responded with boos and chants, signaling their disapproval. Their reaction reflected broader concerns about the state of the economy, governance, and the effectiveness of Mahama’s policies.

    With inflation soaring, unemployment rising, and economic hardships affecting citizens, the president’s address is seen as a pivotal moment to provide clarity and reassurance. A major highlight of his speech is expected to be the 24-hour economy policy, aimed at stimulating industrial growth, boosting productivity, and creating sustainable jobs.

    Labour unions, business leaders, and civil society organizations are closely following the address, hoping for concrete measures to tackle the high cost of living, wage concerns, and infrastructure challenges.

    https://twitter.com/tigpost_/status/1895065464880935372

  • Afenyo-Markin directed Minority to pull out microphones, create chaos – Nkwanta North MP

    Afenyo-Markin directed Minority to pull out microphones, create chaos – Nkwanta North MP

    Nkwanta North MP, John Oti Bless, has accused Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin of orchestrating disruptions during the vetting process by instructing Minority members to deliberately derail proceedings.

    A heated confrontation erupted between the Minority and Majority members of the Appointments Committee over the vetting of Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, resulting in a tense standoff.

    The dispute arose when the Minority demanded a rescheduling of the session to Friday, January 31, while the Majority remained resolute on proceeding as planned.

    The impasse escalated into disorder, with chairs being displaced and microphones unplugged in what appeared to be an attempt to stall the process.

    Appearing before the investigative committee on Friday, February 7, Oti Bless alleged that Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, following Afenyo-Markin’s directives, ordered committee members to tamper with equipment and disrupt the vetting session.

    “Before the incident occurred, Dr. Afriyie approached the Minority Leader for Akandoh to be vetted, but the Minority ignored him. The Minority Chief Whip also wanted Akandoh to be vetted, but the Minority Leader rejected their request and stated that whatever would happen should happen. I was watching them,” he recounted.

    “Mr. Chairman, this is a straightforward matter. Everything that happened that day was caused by the Minority Leader. A leader who watches or stands by while subordinates vandalize or destroy state property without uttering a word or stopping them is as guilty as the perpetrators. From what I witnessed, the Minority Leader instigated his members to misbehave.”

  • Bagbin suspends sitting to enable Majority, Minority decide fate of Ablakwa, Sam George

    Bagbin suspends sitting to enable Majority, Minority decide fate of Ablakwa, Sam George

    Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has temporarily suspended proceedings for an hour to allow the Majority and Minority members of the Appointments Committee to reach a consensus on the approval of two ministerial nominees.

    The nominees in question are Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Samuel Nartey George, designated for the Foreign Affairs and Communications ministries, respectively. Their confirmation has sparked disagreements among members of the committee, necessitating further deliberations.

    During the session, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin announced that both Ablakwa and Sam George would undergo secret voting, as the committee had failed to reach a consensus on their approval. “We will take Ablakwa, Sam George through secret voting,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

    He further emphasized that the nominees had committed to providing certain documents during their vetting, and their approval would hinge on the availability of those records. “Those documents they promised to bring to us must be made available,” he added.

    However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga countered Afenyo-Markin’s assertion, arguing that the committee had already agreed on their approval. “The report of the committee says they have been approved by consensus,” he pointed out.

    A brief but intense debate ensued on the floor, lasting nearly ten minutes. In an attempt to break the deadlock, Ayariga proposed a temporary suspension of proceedings to allow further discussions between both sides. The Minority Leader seconded the motion, prompting Speaker Bagbin to suspend sitting for an hour to facilitate consensus-building on the matter.

  • MPs responsible for chaos during vetting must be arrested – Gyampo to Dampare

    MPs responsible for chaos during vetting must be arrested – Gyampo to Dampare

    Political analyst Professor, Ransford Gyampo, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare, to take immediate action and apprehend the Members of Parliament responsible for damaging state property during a violent altercation at the Appointments Committee last Thursday.

    During the ministerial vetting on January 30, some lawmakers destroyed microphones and overturned tables in protest against the Majority caucus’s decision to continue with the process, despite the Minority’s plea to delay it from Thursday to Friday.

    In an interview with Accra-based TV3, Prof. Gyampo stressed that the Majority should not allow the Minority to dictate the direction of parliamentary activities.

    “I have said that Dampare is on record to have arrested Members of Parliament and government officials for violating traffic rules. And it is not possible for people to destroy public property or state property and for us to sweep it under the carpet.

    “So I am saying that we should go to the extent of asking Dampare to arrest those culpable for destroying properties that we used my taxes and your taxes to procure.

    “I think that the majority group must be commended for being tolerant, overly tolerant of the minority group. You see, democracy is about majority rule. That tolerance posturing of the majority group is not licentious for minority tyranny and minority wanting to now dictate as to how things must be done.”

  • We are a ‘mighty few’, we can’t be intimidated – Minority to Majority

    We are a ‘mighty few’, we can’t be intimidated – Minority to Majority

    The Minority has noted that it will oppose every form of intimidation that will be directed at the Caucus despite its few representations in Parliament.

    Addressing the Press on Friday, the leader of the Caucus, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, indicated that the Majority in the House is going all lengths in order to bully and make them less vibrant.

    Afenyo-Markin pointed fingers at the Members of Parliament (MP) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for instigating the chaos that occurred on Thursday, January 30, during the vetting session.

    “We are also beginning to observe a breakdown of security, law and order within the preset of Parliament and especially last night at the Committee room by some NDC thugs. These were hired, organized and brought in to come and intimidate the minority. But let me tell the NDC we are few but we are a mighty few. We are fair in our conviction, we are determined and we shall never surrender to their intimidation,” he said.

    The Appointments Committee’s session descended into chaos on Thursday evening when tensions between the Minority and Majority escalated into a physical confrontation.

    The dispute arose after the Majority insisted on proceeding with the vetting session beyond 10 PM, a move the Minority vehemently opposed.

    In the midst of the altercation, members of the Minority began dismantling arranged tables, causing several microphones to fall and break.

    The situation spiraled out of control, forcing police intervention to restore calm and prevent further damage to parliamentary property.
    After about 30 minutes of disorder, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and other leaders intervened to de-escalate tensions. With damaged equipment making further deliberations impossible, the committee was compelled to adjourn and reschedule the session for the following day.

  • I was being considered as Majority leader before 2024 polls -Mahama Ayariga

    I was being considered as Majority leader before 2024 polls -Mahama Ayariga

    The newly appointed Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has disclosed that the idea of him leading the National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus emerged long before the 2024 general elections.

    The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central shared that the notion of him taking the reins of the caucus had been circulating among MPs, including those from the now-Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP), even prior to the elections. He revealed that several parliamentarians approached him, suggesting he would assume the leadership role once the elections concluded.

    “The suggestion for me to lead actually came to me even before the election. Even before the election, I was approached by some people. If you ask some of the people in the current Minority caucus, even when they were the Majority, they kept walking up to me to say, we hear that the thinking is that when the election is over and done with, you will lead the caucus, and I am like, I don’t know, I hear so also.’”

    “So even before the president thought about his ministers and who will go where, to tell you the truth, I had been approached, and I had actually seriously considered leading,” he told Bernard Avle of Channel One TV on Monday, January 27, 2025.

    He also explained that his desire to take on the leadership role stemmed from his long tenure in executive positions, having served as a presidential spokesperson, deputy minister, and minister in various ministries, but never having led a legislative group.

    “The reason why I considered leading the caucus is because I had been in the executive; I have served as a presidential spokesperson, I had been deputy minister, I had been minister in several ministries. The one job I have never really done was to lead the caucus,” he stated.

    Mahama Ayariga who is also a seasoned lawyer, was briefly mentioned as a potential candidate for the Attorney General role in a prospective John Dramani Mahama administration.

    Nevertheless, in an interview on Channel One, the Bawku Central MP made it clear that he had no interest in pursuing the Attorney General position.

  • New Majority leadership sworn in; Ayariga vows consensus-building to reset Ghana

    New Majority leadership sworn in; Ayariga vows consensus-building to reset Ghana

    Speaker of Parliament, has sworn in the newly constituted Majority Leadership in Parliament to be led by Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament (MP)  for Bawku Central.

    The change in leadership was prompted by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s recent appointment as the Minister of Finance. Dr. Forson before his new role as Finance Minister was Majority Leader.

    On Thursday, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan, the MP for Cape Coast South, was named the Deputy Majority Leader. In other changes, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi, takes over as the Majority Chief Whip, replacing Governs Agbodza.

    Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, the MP for Ada Constituency, will now serve as the First Deputy Whip, while Richard Acheampong, MP for Bia East, takes on the role of Second Deputy Majority Whip.

    These adjustments are expected to enhance coordination and strengthen the leadership team within the Caucus as they execute their legislative and governance priorities.

    Given the Majority’s huge representation in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga in his acceptance speech, pledged to ensure unity through consensus-building assuring  that the majority’s overwhelming numbers would not be misused .  

    Mr Ayariga declared, “As President John Dramani Mahama has said, these overwhelming numbers will not be abused.” He committed to advancing democracy, national unity, and equitable development across the country, while upholding principles of probity and accountability.

    Acknowledging the challenges ahead,the Majority Leader expressed optimism in Parliament’s ability to overcome obstacles through constructive dialogue and mutual respect.

    On his part, Dr. Ato Forson expressed his deepest gratitude to his colleagues and the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC)  for entrusting him with the significant responsibility to lead the Majority Caucus since the assumption of the 9th Parliament on January 7.

  • Let’s maintain current leadership for a stable Parliament – Majority MPs to NPP

    Let’s maintain current leadership for a stable Parliament – Majority MPs to NPP

    The leadership of the majority caucus in Parliament is calling on the National Council of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to maintain the current leadership of the majority for the 9th Parliament.

    This request follows the NPP’s substantial loss in the 2024 General Elections, which will relegate the party to the minority position in the next Parliament.

    Chairman of the Education Committee and MP for Fanteakwa North, Kwabena Amankwa Asiamah, emphasized that the experienced leadership should remain in place, given their in-depth understanding of parliamentary procedures.

    He argued that their leadership is essential for the party’s recovery and success in future electoral contests.

    “It is the decision by chairmen of the committees in parliament to plead to the leadership of our party to maintain the leadership status quo in parliament. Why do we say so? We say this because we are counting on the experience and the nature of parliament that the ninth parliament is going to face now.

    “Our numbers have dwindled and for that matter, we need a front that is experienced to face the enormity of members on the other side and that we have concluded that it will be beneficial to our caucus in parliament and the party in general and for the good of democracy in Ghana to maintain what we have now.

    “We say so again that they have experienced whatever has transpired in the previous government and previous parliament and we think that they are the right calibre of people to lead this time around that our numbers are down,” he stated when he addressed journalists in Accra on Friday, December 27.

  • Speaker Bagbin refuses to recall Parliament

    Speaker Bagbin refuses to recall Parliament

    The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has rejected a request from the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to recall Members of Parliament ahead of the December general elections.

    Bagbin insisted that parliamentary activities will remain on hold until after the elections, emphasizing that this period is critical for political parties and candidates to engage with the electorate.

    In a memo to the majority caucus on Wednesday, November 27, Speaker Bagbin stated: “The House will resume sitting after the elections to complete all essential matters before a seamless transition to the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.”

    He added that the national interest would be better served if Members of Parliament adhered to principles of “honour, empathy, and humility” in the execution of their duties. Bagbin concluded by declining the request, stating: “In the circumstances, I am neither inclined nor disposed to exercise my discretion in favour of your request. The request is accordingly declined.”

    The Speaker also reminded Afenyo-Markin of the parliamentary calendar, which recognizes the election campaign period as a time for parties and candidates to present their manifestoes and account for their stewardship.

    “This season is for the government, parties, and both presidential and parliamentary candidates to present their manifestoes to the people and to account and justify the mandate given them by the voters for the four-year term of office has been applied to the benefit of the people,” he noted.

    The Majority Leader’s petition, invoking Standing Orders 57(3) and 58(4), had stressed the urgency of reconvening Parliament to address unresolved legislative matters. However, the request follows a series of failed recalls earlier this year, including one on November 7, which was adjourned indefinitely after several New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs failed to attend the session.

    NDC MPs have opposed the latest recall request, citing concerns over its timing just days before the elections.

    “With barely eleven days to the elections, a recall at this time will only exacerbate the unresolved stalemate that has persisted in recent times,” a memo from the NDC caucus emphasized. “We must avoid anything that could disturb the peace of our country and the stability of our democracy. Instead, let us prioritize the conduct of credible, peaceful, free, and fair elections at this stage.”

  • Majority ruling on vacant parliamentary seats erroneous – Justice Amadu Tanko

    Majority ruling on vacant parliamentary seats erroneous – Justice Amadu Tanko

    Supreme Court Justice Amadu Tanko, one of two judges who dissented in the 5:2 majority decision involving Efutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, has cast doubt on the durability of the ruling. He predicts that the decision could be overturned soon.

    Justice Tanko remarked,“I do not hasten to proclaim that, I have apprehended with despair the majority’s conclusion in this suit but I state, with utmost deference to the Hon. Chief Justice and the rest of my brethren in the majority that, not only do I fundamentally disagree with their conclusion, I, with all due respect, also find the decision an aberration to the established and accepted judicial position of this court which with profound respect, I hope in no distant future the resultant usurpation of the constitutional prerogative of the High Court incidental to the majority decision will be reversed.”

    The core of Justice Tanko’s dissent lies in his interpretation of constitutional boundaries, particularly regarding the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction in cases explicitly designated to the High Court.

    He highlighted Article 99 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which gives the High Court exclusive authority to rule on parliamentary seat vacancies.

    Justice Tanko contended that even when constitutional issues require enforcement or interpretation, the Supreme Court cannot assume jurisdiction over matters explicitly assigned to other courts.

    He explained that while Article 130 grants the Supreme Court jurisdiction over constitutional interpretation, Article 99 specifically entrusts the determination of parliamentary seat vacancies to the High Court.

    He further argued that allowing the Supreme Court to decide on such issues effectively overrides the High Court’s authority, which the Constitution does not permit.

    Supporting his position, Justice Tanko invoked the legal principle of generalia specialibus non derogant (general rules do not override specific rules), asserting that Article 99’s specific provision must take precedence over the broader provisions of Article 130.

    Justice Tanko also referred to precedent, including the Parliamentary Election for Wulensi Constituency case, which reaffirmed the High Court’s jurisdiction in similar disputes. He concluded that the majority decision not only contradicts established legal principles but is also unlikely to stand the test of time.

    “The conclusion I have arrived at should in no way be construed as suggesting that the Supreme Court is not the appropriate forum vested with jurisdiction to interpret and/or enforce the Constitution in appropriate circumstances. The point which I unequivocally emphasise is that, it is the same Constitution, 1992 which vested exclusive power in the Supreme Court in matters of interpretation and enforcement of its provisions which also designed the mechanism for this court to assume jurisdiction. Thus, although this court has a general jurisdiction to interpret and enforce provisions of the constitution, there are situations, such as in the instant case where the procedure adopted in invoking this court’s interpretative and enforcement jurisdiction has deprived the court of the power to exercise that jurisdiction. This particular action clearly demonstrates more than any other case I have confronted in constitutional law jurisprudence the failure by a party to comply with mandatory constitutional provisions in invoking jurisdiction and it is destined to fail. The above statement is supported by the recent decision of this very court in OWUSU-MENSAH VS. NAPTEX & ORS [2017-2020] 2 SCGLR 708 at 711. ’” A court might have jurisdiction to entertain a cause or matter but the procedure invoking its jurisdiction might deny the court the jurisdiction. That would occur where a statute had specially laid down the procedure for redress.”’

  • NDC MPs pledge to occupy Majority side when Parliament reconvenes

    NDC MPs pledge to occupy Majority side when Parliament reconvenes

    National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament say they intend to occupy the Majority side of the House when it reconvenes today.

    Adaklu MP Kwame Governs Agbodza announced that his party will follow Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which vacated the seats of four MPs who are seeking re-election under different parties than those they initially represented in Parliament.

    “We will be attending upon the House as directed by the Speaker. We shall be taking our seats in the chamber in accordance with the Majority side which we are in Parliament,” Agbodza stated.

    Agbodza further noted that the NDC MPs are prepared to work cooperatively with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs to advance government business.

    This announcement follows a rare moment in Parliament on October 22 when both parties seated themselves on the Majority side, leaving the Minority side empty. The unusual arrangement stemmed from an ongoing dispute about which party now holds the majority after Speaker Bagbin declared four parliamentary seats vacant on October 17. With three seats held by the NPP and one by the NDC declared vacant, the balance of power shifted, giving the NDC 136 seats against the NPP’s 135. The NDC promptly declared itself the new majority.

    However, on October 18, the Supreme Court issued a stay of execution on Speaker Bagbin’s decision, allowing the four MPs to continue representing their constituencies until a final judgment is rendered.

    Despite the court’s ruling, the NDC caucus has maintained its position as the majority. At today’s press conference, Agbodza remarked, “Our advice is our minority NPP is to try and prioritise business that is in the interest of the people of this country, and they shall find favor and cooperation with us in trying to deal with those businesses.”

    He added, “We can assure them that as long as the business is in the interest of improving the lives of Ghanaians, they can count on the majority NDC caucus in Parliament to support those initiatives to pass those things that will help the people of this country.”

    Meanwhile, Speaker Bagbin has voiced concerns over interference from the Judiciary and Executive branches, which he sees as a direct challenge to Parliament’s jurisdiction. He emphasized that recent actions by these branches of government undermine Parliament’s role as “the repository of the sovereign will of the people of Ghana.”

  • We’ll take our position as Majority when recalled to Parliament – Ato Forson

    We’ll take our position as Majority when recalled to Parliament – Ato Forson

    Leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Caucus, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has asserted that the NDC will resume their rightful place as the Majority when Parliament is recalled.

    Speaking to the Parliamentary Press Corps following the indefinite adjournment of the House, Dr. Forson reaffirmed the NDC’s stance: “We want to make something very clear, the NDC members of parliament are in the Majority in Ghana’s parliament. We’ve made our position, and it’s so clear. We are not changing our positions. We see ourselves as the Majority. We are fortified by the Constitution and the Standing Orders of this House, and we see ourselves as the Majority.”

    He expressed gratitude to Speaker Alban Bagbin for his directive, which the NDC respects, and emphasized the caucus’s readiness to assume the Majority position when Parliament reconvenes.

    The indefinite adjournment followed a Supreme Court ruling that overturned the Speaker’s earlier decision to declare four parliamentary seats vacant.

    The Supreme Court directed that the affected MPs continue performing their duties pending a final resolution.

    Dr. Forson concluded by reiterating the NDC’s commitment to fulfilling their legislative duties when Parliament is recalled.

  • Heavy security at Parliament ahead of sitting amidst constitutional impasse

    Heavy security at Parliament ahead of sitting amidst constitutional impasse

    Parliament has ramped up security measures for all sessions starting Tuesday, October 22, in response to the ongoing debate surrounding the constitutional status of four parliamentary seats.

    This decision comes after recent political and legal developments, where Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson challenged the validity of these seats under Article 97(1)(g) of the 1992 Constitution.

    On October 17, Speaker Alban Bagbin declared the seats vacant, but the Supreme Court intervened the following day, temporarily suspending the ruling and allowing the MPs to continue their duties until a final verdict is reached.

    To safeguard the Speaker, MPs, and staff during these sensitive times, Parliament announced enhanced security measures in a press release signed by Frederick Bawa (retired), the Deputy Marshall of Parliament.

    These steps include strict screening of all MPs, staff, and journalists before they enter the Chamber. Bodyguards will also be prohibited from entering the Chamber during the sessions.

    In addition, parking restrictions will be enforced around the Grand Arena, with MPs required to use designated drop-off zones at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). The Ghana Police Service will manage these arrangements and direct MPs to appropriate areas.

    MPs must wear their identification tags for quick verification, and entry to the Chamber will be allowed from 8:00 a.m. Public access to the gallery has been temporarily suspended to prevent public attendance at parliamentary sessions, further reducing the chances of disruption during these potentially heated discussions.

    These measures are intended to ensure order and mitigate any possible tensions during this critical period.

    “Respectfully counting on the cooperation of all,” the statement read, urging all MPs and staff to comply with the new guidelines to ensure the smooth and secure continuation of parliamentary business.

    These enhanced security measures come at a critical time as the nation awaits further developments on the constitutional challenges in Parliament.

    With heightened public interest in the case, it is expected that these restrictions will help maintain calm and order within the legislative body.

  • Peace Council meets with Majority, Minority over tension in Parliament

    Peace Council meets with Majority, Minority over tension in Parliament

    The National Peace Council has urgently convened a meeting to address potential disruptions ahead of a tense parliamentary session set for Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

    This initiative comes in light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to suspend Speaker Alban Bagbin’s ruling, which had declared four parliamentary seats vacant.

    As tensions escalate, the Minority in Parliament has announced plans to occupy the Majority side of the chamber until a new ruling is issued by the Speaker, intensifying the political uncertainty surrounding the distribution of power in the legislature.

    In a bid to ensure a peaceful session, the National Peace Council is engaging with crucial stakeholders, including leaders from both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), parliamentary leadership, and other relevant organizations.

    Their primary objective is to facilitate a smooth parliamentary meeting on Tuesday, thereby avoiding any chaotic incidents.

    Sheikh Armiyawo Shaibu, a member of the National Peace Council and spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, stressed the importance of caution and called on all parties to act responsibly to defuse rising tensions.

    “We don’t want to see anything untoward happen tomorrow. There have even been suggestions that military personnel might be deployed, though there is no solid basis for that. Still, we must prepare for any outcome,” he stated.

    Sheikh Shaibu also urged all branches of government to set aside political differences and view the current circumstances as a chance to strengthen Ghana’s democracy. 

    “This moment is not about one party or the other. It is about reaching a point in our democratic journey where crucial decisions must be made for the betterment of our future,” he added.

  • Stop sitting in Parliament and creating a Majority for yourself – Bawumia to NDC MPs

    Stop sitting in Parliament and creating a Majority for yourself – Bawumia to NDC MPs

    Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to focus on winning parliamentary seats at the polling stations rather than attempting to “manufacture” a majority within Parliament.

    This statement follows a recent incident in Parliament where the Speaker declared four seats vacant, temporarily shifting the majority in favor of the NDC. However, the Supreme Court overturned the Speaker’s ruling within 24 hours, restoring the status quo until further interpretation of the relevant constitutional article is provided.

    Speaking at a campaign rally in Nkawkaw on Saturday, Dr. Bawumia taunted the NDC for their brief majority status, saying, “A few days ago, they (NDC) did something in Parliament and claimed to be the majority side. But their majority lasted just 24 hours. It was the shortest-living majority in history.”

    He emphasized that a parliamentary majority is determined by wins at the polling station level within constituencies, not by actions in Parliament. “They need to understand that if they want a majority, they should come to the polling station, come to the constituency, win an election, and then go to Parliament. You don’t sit in Parliament and manufacture a majority for yourself,” he said.

    Dr. Bawumia confidently declared that the NPP is on track to secure a decisive majority in the December elections, asserting that victories are achieved on the ground, not in parliamentary chambers. “We will meet them in the constituencies, we will meet them at the polling stations. What I can assure you is that from what I’ve seen—having been to over 200 constituencies, campaigned on the ground, and analyzed the data—I can tell you, if we held elections today, the NPP would have a decisive majority in Parliament,” he said.

    He further urged NPP members to stay united and continue working towards victory in the upcoming elections. “The election is not today. It’s on December 7. But if we continue as we are, and we all come together, by midnight on December 7, you’ll hear that the NPP has won a decisive majority in Parliament. We will win at the polling stations,” he stressed.

    In a bold move, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has declared itself the new majority in Parliament, despite a recent Supreme Court order.

    The declaration came during a press conference held shortly after the court’s decision to stay the Speaker’s ruling that had temporarily granted the NDC a majority status.

  • Minority MPs make their way to the chamber for 2024 mid-year budget presentation

    Minority MPs make their way to the chamber for 2024 mid-year budget presentation

    The Members of Parliament on the Minority side of the House are presently in the chamber after a few hours of absence.

    Earlier, Minority side of Parliament were absent in the chamber as Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam is set to deliver the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament today.

    It is unknown the exact reason for the delay by the Minority Members of Parliament but sources say the leadership of the Minority had to meet with the other side to negotiate on some issues.

    But presently, both the Majority and Minority side are in the chamber for the presentation.

    This marks Dr. Amin Adam’s debut budget presentation since his appointment to the role in February 2024.

    The presentation of the budget review will adhere to Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which mandates an update on the government’s fiscal performance and revised financial projections halfway through the fiscal year.

    Dr. Amin Adam’s presentation will provide an assessment of the implementation of the 2024 Budget, highlighting progress and adjustments needed.

    Additionally, he will offer an updated economic outlook for Ghana, which will include revised financial plans aimed at addressing the current economic conditions and challenges facing the country.

  • We will frustrate Parliamentary business if NPP MPs don’t return – Minority

    We will frustrate Parliamentary business if NPP MPs don’t return – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has issued a stern warning, threatening to disrupt parliamentary proceedings if there isn’t a significant improvement in the attendance of MPs from the Majority side starting next week.

    Since Parliament reconvened in July, the Minority has expressed concern over the consistently low presence of NPP MPs, with often fewer than 30 members from the ruling party attending sessions. This situation, according to the Minority, has placed an undue burden on them to manage government business effectively.

    The Minority’s Deputy Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, voiced their grievances on the floor of the House, attributing the absenteeism to NPP MPs accompanying their flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on campaign activities following the unveiling of his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

    Mr. Ibrahim emphasized that the Minority cannot continue to shoulder the responsibility of conducting legislative business alone while the Majority neglects their parliamentary duties.

    “We will also instruct our legislators to prioritize campaigning if this trend continues, which will undoubtedly cripple the functioning of the House,” Mr. Ibrahim warned.

  • Chief Justice has the mandate to request for more Supreme Court judges – Majority

    Chief Justice has the mandate to request for more Supreme Court judges – Majority

    The Majority in Parliament has rallied behind Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo’s proposal to expand the Supreme Court’s bench to 20 judges.

    This move comes in response to the Chief Justice’s submission of five judges for nomination to President Akufo-Addo, citing the escalating caseload faced by the judiciary.

    The proposal has sparked criticism from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has labeled it as unlawful.

    However, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has vehemently defended the Chief Justice’s authority to make such recommendations, asserting that it falls well within the legal frameworks.

    Addressing journalists in Accra on Monday, Afenyo-Markin stated, “We’ve become aware that the chief justice has mooted a proposal to expand the supreme court to 20 judges for efficiency and effectiveness. Some people are saying that the Chief Justice does not have such a mandate to do so. We disagree and would say that per article 125 (4) of the constitution, there are some inherent powers provided for in this provision that allow the Chief Justice as a chief executive and head of the judiciary to make such proposals.”

    He further elaborated, “The framers of our constitution in their wisdom gave us a minimum ceiling. What did they anticipate? The anticipation was that there could be a possibility in future to increase the number. That is why they did not provide for an upper ceiling… So if you read this and juxtapose it against the 125, 125, 4 that I earlier referred to, clearly you cannot argue that any increase in the number of judges at the Supreme Court above 10 is unconstitutional or that the chief justice is wrong in making such a suggestion or proposal.”

    Afenyo-Markin emphasized the Chief Justice’s role in overseeing the judiciary’s administration and stressed her prerogative to propose measures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency within the bounds of the law.

  • Reconsider your “regrettable” decision to boycott Dep. Trade Minister vetting – Majority to Minority

    Reconsider your “regrettable” decision to boycott Dep. Trade Minister vetting – Majority to Minority

    The Majority Caucus in Parliament has expressed dismay over the Minority Caucus’s decision to boycott the vetting of the Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry.

    In a statement issued on July 2, the Majority Caucus described the reasons given by the Minority for their action as regrettable.

    The statement underscored the government’s commitment to a comprehensive approach in addressing national challenges, emphasizing the importance of incorporating input from all sectors of society into national development initiatives.

    “While acknowledging the government’s achievements, the Majority Caucus also highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the nation and stressed the necessity of uninterrupted governance,” the statement read.

    “Our fellow citizens across the country would not look kindly upon this esteemed House if we allow a disruption in governance simply due to impending elections,” it added.

    The boycott by the Minority on the Appointments Committee, which oversees the vetting of government appointees, has raised concerns about the legislative process and the smooth functioning of government affairs.

    The Majority Caucus’s statement comes amidst broader discussions about parliamentary procedures and the role of opposition parties in ensuring effective governance and accountability.

    Efforts to reach the Minority Caucus for comment on their decision to boycott the vetting process have not yet yielded a response.

    Majority-CaucusDownload
  • Your decision to boycott vetting of Deputy Minister-designate for Trade must be reconsidered – Majority to Minority

    Your decision to boycott vetting of Deputy Minister-designate for Trade must be reconsidered – Majority to Minority

    The Majority in Parliament has urged the Minority to reconsider their stance on boycotting the vetting of Deputy Minister-designate for Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo.

    Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin expressed disappointment with the reasons cited by the Minority for their boycott.

    He emphasized the government’s commitment to a comprehensive approach involving all sectors to tackle national challenges and ensure inclusive national development.

    While acknowledging government achievements, he also acknowledged ongoing difficulties that underscore the need for uninterrupted governance.

    The Minority announced their decision to abstain from participating in the vetting through a press release issued on Tuesday, July 2, signed by leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

    They cited concerns over the large size of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government, its economic performance, and various national crises including economic downturn, food insecurity, debt defaults, government corruption, and wasteful spending.

    The Minority criticized President Akufo-Addo’s nomination of additional ministers, arguing it demonstrated a failure to grasp the economic challenges caused by government policies.

    They asserted their refusal to support actions that would further burden Ghanaian citizens already struggling under the weight of a bloated government and financial constraints.

    “Members of the Minority Caucus on the Appointments Committee of Parliament will not participate in today’s vetting of the President’s nominee for the post of Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry.”

    “The Caucus is affronted by the already large size of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and its poor economic performance.”

    “We are again unable to support this nomination by President Akufo-Addo at this time because our country has gone through (and continues to go through) very difficult periods, including crippling economic crisis, food insecurity, debt default as a result of excessive borrowing, corruption in government and wasteful and reckless expenditures,” excerpt of the statement said.

    But in a statement, the Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin said “The Majority Caucus has learned with concern the decision by the Minority Caucus on the Appointments Committee not to participate in today’s vetting of the President’s nominee for the post of Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry. The reasons provided for this intended action are regrettable.

    “The Government continues to engage in a whole-of-society approach to address our challenges as a country. This is to ensure that all our people in the various sectors are brought on board the business of national development. While lauding the Government’s achievements, we also recognise the persisting difficulties. It is precisely these challenges that make it imperative for governance to continue without interruption.

    “Our compatriots nationwide will not view this august House charitably should we enable an interruption in governance merely on account of pending elections. In soccer, important goals are scored both in regular and injury time. Every moment counts. It is therefore our hope that our colleagues on the other side will reconsider their position and act in the best interest of the country, enabling with all good faith, the business of Government to proceed. We as a majority will endeavour to engage our colleagues with the same collaborative spirit that has characterised our relationship in this august House.”

  • Free SHS Bill will be passed no matter the opposition – Majority

    Free SHS Bill will be passed no matter the opposition – Majority

    Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin has asserted that the caucus remains undeterred by opposition from the Minority concerning the Free Senior High School (SHS) bill.

    Speaking on Onua FM’s Yen Nsempa program on Wednesday, July 3rd, the Effutu MP emphasized the non-negotiable nature of the Free SHS policy, affirming that the Majority will ensure the bill’s passage at any cost.

    He emphasized that the policy will be enforced despite the objections of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its parliamentarians.

    According to Afenyo-Markin, “The ranking member on the education committee, Nortsue-Kotoe, said they will not support the bill, so it is fair to say that the NDC does not support the Free SHS bill ”.

    He criticized the NDC for premature opposition without reviewing the bill, likening it to their initial resistance to the Free SHS policy and other significant social initiatives.

    “There is no fear of anything. We only want to enact the law to bind all of us to build a new national psyche that Free SHS is not negotiable. No matter how the NDC opposes it, we will force it on them,” he added.

    If passed, the bill would institutionalize the Free SHS policy, ensuring its continuity across administrations. Despite initial resistance, the NDC and Minority have now indicated their support for the bill.

    They have also signaled plans to advocate for dedicated funding for Free SHS in upcoming legislation proposed by the government.

    “As we speak now, the government owes monies to those who supplied school uniforms two to three years ago to senior high school students. They owe monies to people who supplied textbooks and furniture to senior high schools. So, what are they trying to say?” he questioned.

    Meanwhile, Nortsue-Kotoe, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee and MP for Akatsi North Constituency, dismissed the NPP government’s claims regarding education concerns, highlighting outstanding debts to suppliers of essential educational materials.

  • Major shake-up in Majority caucus

    Major shake-up in Majority caucus

    The Majority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has announced a significant restructuring of the majority leadership, starting with the removal of Obuasi West MP Kwaku Kwarteng from his role as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

    This change was disclosed on the floor of Parliament on Friday, June 28, catching many Majority MPs by surprise and causing some disappointment among them.

    According to JoyNews, Mr Kwarteng will now serve as the Majority Spokesperson and Chairman of the newly established Economy Committee.

    The Economy Committee, separated from the Finance Committee in the latest standing orders, possesses less authority compared to its predecessor but is expected to play a crucial role in parliamentary affairs.

    Explaining the rationale behind this reshuffle, Afenyo-Markin highlighted Kwarteng’s capability to effectively counter the opposition’s stance on economic matters.

    “We are challenging you to come up with your spokesperson on the economy. You have not said so officially, but we are going to make sure we have a spokesperson on the economy to challenge your Adonko. Hon Kwaku Kwarteng is going to face him directly on the Economy,” he stated.

    Afenyo-Markin emphasized the significance of the newly formed Economy Committee, describing it as one of the most important committees in Parliament.

    He noted, “I am letting them [Minority] know some of the proactive steps we have taken on this side of the House to throw a serious challenge that it is not just about governance. We have a new Economy Committee, and it is going to be the most important Committee in this House.”

  • NPP govt has been the first in the 4th republic to reduce electricity costs – Majority

    NPP govt has been the first in the 4th republic to reduce electricity costs – Majority

    Majority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has highlighted the unique achievement of the Akufo-Addo administration in being the sole government in Ghana’s 4th republic to enact a reduction in electricity tariffs.

    He emphasized that this action signifies the government’s dedication to easing the burdens faced by the Ghanaian populace.

    Speaking on the floor of parliament on June 11, he said “This government acknowledges that our people face various forms of challenges. It is in light of this that history will remember this government as the only government in the 4th republic to reduce electricity tariffs. In 2018, the government of Ghana announced various tariff reductions ranging from 18 to 30 per cent. It is a matter of record, and this has never happened in the history of Ghana.”

    Afenyo-Markin also revealed that the government is in the process of introducing a bill to parliament soon to regulate the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

    This endeavor is designed to ensure the sustainability of the Free SHS program amidst apprehensions about potential modifications by future administrations.

    The Free SHS policy has been a cornerstone of the Akufo-Addo government’s educational reforms, providing no-cost secondary education to all Ghanaian students.

    The proposed legislation aims to solidify the policy’s framework, shielding it from potential revisions that could undermine its goals.

  • Majority calls on Minority to back govt in fostering domestic economic growth

    Majority calls on Minority to back govt in fostering domestic economic growth


    The Majority Caucus in Parliament on Thursday accused the National Democratic Congress Minority Caucus of trying to hinder Ghana’s economic progress by consistently opposing certain tax exemptions currently being considered by the House.

    Consequently, the Majority Caucus has urged the Minority Caucus to assist the government in advancing the country’s economic growth.

    The call from the Majority Caucus arose after the Minority Caucus rejected a request for a $350 million tax exemption for 42 companies under the government’s One District One Factory initiative (1D1F).

    During the House’s recall on Friday, May 17, the Minority, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, questioned the rationale behind such exemptions when the government was facing financial difficulties due to the economic crisis.

    Addressing the Parliamentary Press Corps in Parliament on Thursday, MAlexander Afenyo-Markin stated:

    “The Minority leader, Dr Ato Forson is leading that charge on behalf of the minority NDC in Parliament, and their main aim is to obstruct government business and to deny the people of Ghana the needed economic growth, which will result from businesses investing in the country and expanding their businesses.”

    He revealed that there were up to $400 million worth of tax waiver requests that had been pending at the Finance Committee for over three years, entangled in a political stalemate.

    “However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to block these requests at every turn, and they are being hypocritical,” he said.

    Mr Afenyo-Markin alleged that the NDC government, led by former President John Dramani Mahama, had granted Members of Parliament (MPs) more than $800 million in tax waivers during their tenure.

    “But we know that in 2016, this country experienced the most outrageous tax giveaway we’ve ever seen in Ghana when the NDC led by President John Mahama handed a tax waiver of $832 million to Meridian Port Services. At the time, the NDC government applied for a tax waiver of $982 million for the port project,” he said.

  • Delay on tax exemptions for 42 companies, a deliberate attempt to discourage investors – Majority

    Delay on tax exemptions for 42 companies, a deliberate attempt to discourage investors – Majority

    The Parliament of Ghana is still pending tax exemptions for 42 selected companies under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme, owing to delays by the Parliament’s Finance Committee in completing the scrutiny of these firms.

    Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader, has condemned this delay as a deliberate tactic by the Minority to obstruct the government’s initiatives aimed at attracting investment into the nation.

    In 2021, the government sought Parliament’s approval for tax exemptions for various businesses involved in the flagship 1D1F industrialization policy, aiming to signal Ghana’s business-friendly environment to the international investor community and boost economic contributions.

    However, extensive parliamentary delays, primarily due to demands for additional deliberation and scrutiny by members of the Minority caucus, have hindered the process. Mr Cassiel Ato Forson, a prominent figure in the Minority, strongly opposes advancing the entire list of exemptions from the committee stage, citing irregularities with some listed companies and their requested tax exemption amounts.

    Despite proposals to present 15 companies, deemed free of irregularities, to Parliament for approval, the Minority’s rejection has left the Majority Leader visibly frustrated.

    The prolonged delay, now in its fourth year, raises concerns about a deliberate effort to impede the government’s agenda, threatening to stifle industrial growth.

    These exemptions are intended to reduce operational costs, making it more attractive for businesses to establish and expand their operations. Without these incentives, affected companies may scale back their plans, leading to slower industrialization and fewer job opportunities, undermining the objectives of the 1D1F programme.

    Moreover, the ongoing impasse could negatively impact investor confidence in Ghana, as international investors seek stability and predictability in economic policies.

    The perception of political gridlock and uncertainty surrounding the tax exemption process may deter potential investors, fearing similar bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of policy consistency in the future. Parliament must leverage its unique numerical composition to foster strong bipartisan relations, creating a stable environment that favors businesses, regardless of the ruling government.

    Ensuring the timely approval of these tax exemptions could enhance Ghana’s industrialization efforts and signal to the global investor community the nation’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.

    As the situation evolves, attention remains on whether Parliament can resolve these delays and proceed with the necessary approvals to support the 1D1F programme and the broader economic objectives of the nation.

  • Minority, Majority leaders meet Akufo-Addo for crunch meeting over national issues

    Minority, Majority leaders meet Akufo-Addo for crunch meeting over national issues

    Minority in Parliament revealed that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo convened a meeting with both the Minority and Majority caucus leadership on Monday, May 20, 2024.

    According to the NDC MPs, the hour-long meeting centered on issues of national significance.

    In a press release issued by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority leadership expressed appreciation to the president for extending the invitation.

    Dr. Forson emphasized the importance of the discussion and the opportunity it presented for addressing critical national concerns from both sides.

    He highlighted the meeting’s significance in emphasizing the necessity of dialogue and collaboration among different political factions in Parliament.

    The Minority reaffirmed their dedication to engaging constructively with the government on matters impacting the nation.

    “At the invitation of the President, the leadership of Parliament, made up of both Caucuses, on Monday met with President Akufo-Addo at the Presidency.

    “The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, was cordial and frank. It discussed issues of national concern.

    “The leadership of the Minority takes the opportunity to thank the President for the invitation,” parts of the statement said.

  • Akufo-Addo hosts Majority, Minority MPs to discuss national issues

    Akufo-Addo hosts Majority, Minority MPs to discuss national issues

    The Minority in Parliament has disclosed that President Akufo-Addo convened a meeting with both the Minority and Majority caucus leadership today, Monday, May 20.

    The NDC MPs reported that the meeting, which lasted an hour, centered on matters of national importance.

    In a press release from the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority leadership expressed appreciation to the President for the invitation.

    Dr. Forson emphasized the significance of the discussions and the opportunity they provided for both sides to address critical national issues.

    He noted that the meeting highlighted the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the various political factions in Parliament.

    “At the invitation of the President, the leadership of Parliament, made up of both Caucuses, on Monday met with President Akufo-Addo at the Presidency.”

    “The meeting, which lasted for about an hour, was cordial and frank. It discussed issues of national concern. The leadership of the the Minority takes the opportunity to thank the President for the invitation,” he said.

    The Minority reaffirmed their commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue with the government on issues affecting the nation.

  • Minority has failed to prove GRA-SML deal is causing financial loss to the state – Majority

    Minority has failed to prove GRA-SML deal is causing financial loss to the state – Majority

    The Majority in Parliament has dismissed as unfounded the calls by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in the SML-GRA contract.

    Members of the Majority caucus argued that there is inadequate evidence to suggest that any government official is responsible for causing financial loss to the state, making prosecution in the SML-GRA deal unwarranted.

    In a statement to the press, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, stressed that President Akufo-Addo’s decision to conduct a comprehensive review of the contract is in the best interest of the public.

    “Now we are aware that our friends in the NDC are calling for certain prosecutions. I think that they have not paid attention to the whole issue and they only want to do politics as usual. Their call is unfounded for the simple reason that there isn’t any established proof of any officer of state causing financial loss to the state. 

    “Indeed what they think are payments to SML are not payments borne out of the government’s revenue. If you peruse the agreement, SML is paid out of what it generates and they would have to pay attention to the details. They are paid 0.05% per litre of revenue that they generate as a result of the system that they put in place to monitor activities in the petroleum sector. 

    “And it is instructive to also note that his company opened its doors to the Mines and Energy Committee to inspect and to see the nature of their operations. What I want to urge our colleagues in the opposition is that they should not kill Ghanaian businesses. 

    “Often under the guise of due diligence and ensuring that there is transparency, we often get out of control and destroy Ghanaian companies, whereas foreign ones who operate in certain sectors get a kind of protection that makes them develop their business but often Ghanaian businesses suffer,” he stated.

    The report released by the Communications Director of the Presidency, Eugene Arhin, finds the GRA guilty of failing to obtain approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) for contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

    According to a report by KPMG, GRA sought approval from PPA three times between June 2017 and September 2017 to engage SML for transaction audit services, but approval was not granted.

    Despite this, GRA proceeded to engage SML as a subcontractor to West Blue, eventually taking over services from West Blue when their contract ended in December 2018.

    Furthermore, GRA added external price verification to the services offered by SML and signed a downstream petroleum audit agreement with SML, all without PPA approval.

    It was not until August 27, 2020, under new leadership at GRA, that PPA ratified the procurement processes used to engage SML. This raises questions about GRA’s adherence to procurement regulations and the oversight of its contracting processes.

  • Majority MPs call for reconvening of Parliament

    Majority MPs call for reconvening of Parliament

    The Majority in Parliament has urgently requested the reconvening of the House to address crucial government business.

    In a letter to the Speaker, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin cited Article 112(3) and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which allow 15% of members to recall Parliament.

    The proposed agenda includes adopting the Thirty-Fourth Report of the Appointments Committee and considering a motion on additional financing.

    Specifically, the Caucus seeks Parliament’s attention on a motion for an “Additional Financing Agreement between GoG and the IDA for an amount of US$150 million to finance the ongoing Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project,” as well as a “Request for Tax Exemption for selected beneficiaries under the 1D1F Programme.”

    In their petition, the Caucus emphasised the importance of the request, stating, “Mr Speaker, it is important to state that this request is being brought in good faith to enable Government to discharge its constitutional and democratic obligations to the people of Ghana.”

    Parliament adjourned on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. According to the Standing Orders, the Speaker of Parliament is expected to summon Parliament within seven days of receiving the request.

  • Majority of Liberian pharmacies selling stolen aid medicine – USAid

    Majority of Liberian pharmacies selling stolen aid medicine – USAid

    USAid’s Mission Director, Jim Wright, recently denounced rampant “acts of fraud” in Liberia, revealing that approximately 90% of pharmacies in the country are trafficking stolen medicine donated by aid organizations.

    He emphasized that such illicit practices deprive Liberians of access to vital donated medications, rendering them only available to those who can afford to purchase them.

    In response to this alarming revelation, six Liberian civil groups have initiated a nationwide media campaign. The campaign aims to monitor the distribution of aid medical supplies and raise awareness that donated medicines are intended to be distributed free of charge and should not be sold.

    Mr. Wright urged for heightened accountability measures, advocating for the prosecution of individuals involved in the theft and sale of donated health supplies.

    As of now, Liberian authorities have not yet commented on the matter.

  • Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was an outstanding leader – Minority

    Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was an outstanding leader – Minority

    The departure of Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu from his role as Majority Leader has evoked a sense of loss from Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

    Dr. Ato Forson acknowledged the surprise within Parliament at the unexpected nature of Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s resignation.

    Despite the unexpected turn of events, Dr. Ato Forson emphasized the importance of respecting and honoring Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s decision, discouraging any inclination towards criticism.

    During his address to Parliament following the formal resignation announcement, Dr. Ato Forson lauded Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s extensive knowledge and experience in Parliamentary practices and procedures, recognizing his unparalleled expertise.

    Reflecting on Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s illustrious career, Dr. Ato Forson noted, “Having been Deputy Majority Whip, Majority Chief Whip, Deputy Majority Leader and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Minority Leader, Majority Leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, he rose full cycle through all the ranks of both Minority and Majority front bench of this august House.”

    Dr. Ato Forson, along with others, attested to Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s exceptional leadership, brilliance, rigor, attention to detail, and his uniquely humane and personable nature that commanded respect and admiration.

    “Many, including my good self, will attest to his outstanding leadership, brilliance rigour and attention to detail. His uniquely humane and personable nature have always commanded the respect and admiration of his colleagues, he said.

    Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu formally announced his resignation as Majority Leader during a parliamentary session, clarifying that his decision was entirely personal and not influenced by external pressures as speculated in some media reports.

    He urged members of the Majority Caucus to extend their full support to his successor, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, by providing all necessary assistance.

    Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained, “On Wednesday, February 21, at a meeting with the caucus and the President, I formally announced my decision to resign as the Majority Leader in order to still the storm and facilitate the peace and unity for the party at this time”.

  • Unity is key for effective governance – Afenyo-Markin tells MPs

    Unity is key for effective governance – Afenyo-Markin tells MPs


    The recently appointed Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged the Minority Caucus in Parliament to strengthen their bipartisan efforts with the Majority Caucus.

    Afenyo-Markin’s plea to the minority caucus came in the wake of the New Patriotic Party’s National Council endorsing the leadership change within the majority caucus on February 23. This endorsement set the stage for Afenyo-Markin’s address to Members of Parliament.

    In his appeal, Afenyo-Markin called on the minority caucus to align with his caucus, emphasizing the shared advantages that could be achieved within the parliamentary setting through cooperation.

    Furthermore, he sought the cooperation and support of his colleagues, underscoring the importance of unity for effective governance.

    During his address, the Effutu MP shared personal anecdotes about his life struggles, particularly in Winneba, where his political journey began.

    He recounted a pivotal moment in 2004 when he had to abandon his parliamentary bid due to perceived youthfulness.

    The challenges of being considered too young for such a responsibility led him to step back from the political arena.

    However, his political fortunes took a turn in 2012 when he triumphed, becoming the MP for Effutu.

    The change in leadership within the Majority Front Bench aligns with recent interpretations of parliamentary procedures and corresponds with the Speaker’s latest ruling on the selection process.

    The confirmation of these leadership changes occurred during a meeting presided over by the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    Discussions within the Majority Caucus centered on recommendations from the National Executive Committee (NEC) regarding the leadership reshuffle.

    The newly appointed leadership team for the Majority Front Bench will be:

    1. Majority Leader: Alexander Afenyo-Markin, MP for Effutu
    2. Deputy Majority Leader: Patricia Appiagyei, MP for Asokwa
    3. Majority Chief Whip: Frank Annoh Dompreh, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri
    4. First Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon
    5. Second Deputy Majority Chief Whip: Alex Tetteh Djornobuah, MP for Sefwi Akontombra

  • Reshuffling of Majority leadership was needless – Political analyst to NPP

    Reshuffling of Majority leadership was needless – Political analyst to NPP

    A political science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has contended that the turmoil surrounding the reorganization of the Majority Caucus leadership in Parliament was unwarranted.

    He suggested that engaging in discussions between the party and the MPs before the reshuffling could have addressed concerns and prevented the recent upheaval.

    In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized the importance of the party addressing outstanding issues ahead of the December 7 elections.

    “At this point in time, you would expect that a party that wants to break the 8, a party that is struggling to make sure it is able to administer to the satisfaction of its people, a party that is struggling in terms of how it can honour the numerous promises that it has given to its people, and at this point in time, will reconcile. This is the party that the odds are against, so it doesn’t need it [the reshuffle]. It is needless so to speak, but I don’t think it is a daunting task because if they really need to address this problem, let them bury their differences and there will not be any problem,” he stated.

    Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante acknowledged that although some damage has been done, it is not too late to convene a meeting between the party and the caucus to foster unity.

    “They can still call a meeting between the party and the caucus and then decide. Once they do that, there shouldn’t be any problem. Any problem that they find themselves in is different. It is true that they are in a difficult situation to go and campaign given the economic mess we find ourselves and some of them attributed to them,” he added.

  • Covering up majority leadership reshuffle waste of time – Allotey Jacobs to Joe Wise

    Covering up majority leadership reshuffle waste of time – Allotey Jacobs to Joe Wise

    The former Central Region Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has raised concerns about a recent press conference conducted by the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon Joseph Osei-Owusu, commonly known as Joe Wise.

    Speaking on Peace FM, Mr, Jacobs criticized the event, labeling it as politically tactless and potentially disruptive to the party’s unity and focus.

    He expressed dismay at the trend within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of publicly announcing internal matters.

    He suggested that such announcements should be handled discreetly without unnecessary public disclosure.

    “The press conference by JoeWise was politically tactless and potentially disruptive of the party’s cohesion and focus.
    “I would like to offer a suggestion to the leadership of the NPP: internal matters should be handled discreetly without unnecessary public announcements.

    “Take, for instance, the recent announcement that Bawumia would introduce his campaign team. Unfortunately, the NDC’s press conference, ‘The Moment of Truth,’ seemed strategically aimed at overshadowing Bawumia’s presentation,”he added.

    On Tuesday, February 20 Joe Wise organised a press conference contrary to media reports, which suggested a change in the leadership of NPP lawmakers in Parliament ahead of the December 7 general elections.

    Mr Osei-Owusu clarified that no such changes had been implemented.

    During his press address in Parliament, JoeWise clarified that he was unaware of any external attempts to reshuffle the leadership of the current Majority side of Parliament.

    Joe Wise emphasized that the new Standing Orders of Parliament give the caucus exclusive power to change the leadership of both the Majority and the Minority, with no external interference permitted.

    He affirmed that no decision had been made to alter the current leadership of the Majority.

    “We are here to inform you that the publications that are going around are not true, it is false.

    “The majority caucus has not made any changes in its leadership, the majority caucus has not contemplated making any changes to its leadership and we will tell the world and Ghana to ignore any such publication.

    “We want to assure you that we have confidence in the leadership and the status quo shall remain, we are aware that upon the nomination of one of the Deputy Whips as a minister, a replacement will be made, that replacement will be made by the caucus when weaved the opportunity  and the time to consider the appropriate replacement, this is all the information we have to share,” he said.

    He reiterated, “The leadership of the Majority has not changed, we have not contemplated changing and we have no intention to effect any change in the leadership of the majority caucus. The Parliament of Ghana has adopted standing orders that place the selection and change or otherwise of leadership in the hands of the caucus and not anybody inside parliament.”

  • No one in the NPP is out to get Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu – Haruna Mohammed

    No one in the NPP is out to get Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu – Haruna Mohammed

    Deputy General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Haruna Mohammed, has dismissed claims of a conspiracy to change the leadership of the majority caucus in Parliament.

    His comment follows rumors suggesting that Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu could be replaced by his Deputy, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Mr. Mohammed asserts that these rumors are false.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on February 20, he said, “There has not been any plot within the NPP to oust any leader within any of the setup either government or within the party setup or Parliament.”

    Earlier on Tuesday, a group of NPP MPs led by First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu warned that they would not accept any changes to the current leadership.

    They expressed satisfaction with the work of the current leadership, led by Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. Addressing concerns raised by Mr. Osei-Owusu, Mr. Mohammed emphasized that nothing in the First Deputy Speaker’s comments indicated a plot to change the leadership.

    “When I listened to him, he never agreed that there was a plot. He never said there was a plot that he knows, and I am unable to speak to the fact that he has actually indicated that there is a plot somewhere because his answers were very clear when questions were posed to him,” he added.

  • Steve Scalise nominated as House Speaker by US Republicans

    Steve Scalise nominated as House Speaker by US Republicans

    Republicans have officially selected Rep. Steve Scalise as their nominee for the next House speaker.

    However, they now face the challenging task of reconciling their deeply divided majority to secure a floor vote in favor of the conservative Scalise, after the removal of Rep. Kevin McCarthy from the role.

    In a private ballot held at the Capitol, House Republicans narrowly favored Scalise over Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chairman.

    Nonetheless, tensions persist among Republicans, who have been embroiled in bitter infighting, resulting in a gridlocked House.

    A full House floor vote is anticipated, but on Wednesday afternoon, the House convened briefly before adjourning indefinitely, leaving the next steps in this process uncertain.

  • Majority will not back Minority to drag BoG Governor to Parliament – Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

    Majority will not back Minority to drag BoG Governor to Parliament – Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu

    The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has made it clear that the Majority caucus will not support the Minority if they decide to propose a motion to summon the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, to appear before Parliament.

    Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that the Minority has already formed a negative opinion about the Governor as evidenced by their street protest; hence his presence would be unnecessary.

    He suggested that instead of resorting to street demonstrations, opposition Members of Parliament could have chosen to invite the Governor for a parliamentary session to address concerns related to the new headquarters building and the reported GHS60.8 billion loss.

    In an interview on TV3 on Monday, he said: “We are Members of Parliament, we could have invited the Governor to come and talk about the issues that are not clear to us. You go on a demonstration and organize a press conference against the man then you come back to Parliament to move the motion [to invite him], do you want me to support that?

    “Now, you have made up your mind that whatever has been done by [the Governor] is inappropriate, you are not going to countenance it, so if he comes to explain the issues, are you going to take it or jettison it?” the Suame MP communicated.

    On October 3, 2023, hundreds of Ghanaians led by the Minority in Parliament hit the streets to demand the removal of Dr Ernest Addison, who is accused of mismanaging the Central Bank, after issuing a 21-day ultimatum for his removal.

    The demonstrators marched from Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle to the Independence Square.

    A delegation comprising some prominent NDC MPs such as Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and NDC bigwigs including National Chairman Asiedu Nketiah, later moved to the Central Bank premises to present their petition.

    Head of Security at the Central Bank, Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd), rather met the protestors and informed the delegation that Dr Addison had been occupied by a team from International Monetary Fund (IMF) hence his absence.

    The Minority Leader, Dr Ato Forson, in turn, got upset and vented his spleen over what he described as gross disrespect by the BoG Governor to Parliament and Ghanaians.

    Dr Ato Forson refused to present the petition to Wing Commander Kwame Asare Boateng (rtd), stressing that another protest would be held in the coming days.

    According to the Minority Leader, the next demonstration will afford the BoG Governor the opportunity to show up and right his wrongs.

    In response to the demonstration, Dr Ernest Addison noted that the Minority could have employed other alternatives to register their displeasure instead of hitting the streets like hooligans. He described the protest as “completely unnecessary” while refusing to resign.

    His comment has sparked anger in the Minority, who have now threatened to treat his matters differently henceforth.

    Also, a section of the general public has condemned the statement made by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, noting that it smirks of arrogance.

  • We embrace you as an MP while you remain here – Majority to Gyakye Quayson

    We embrace you as an MP while you remain here – Majority to Gyakye Quayson

    The re-elected MP for Assin North, James Gyakye Quayson, on Tuesday, July 4, received congratulations from the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu following his swearing-in ceremony presided by Speaker Alban Bagbin.

    Despite acknowledging that Mr. Quayson’s victory in the Assin North by-election is a significant win that may dent the pride of the NPP, he reassured that the party would respect and accept the decision made by the electorate of Assin North.

    “Indeed, we must congratulate him. That is the choice made by the people of Assin North, and we must, everybody must respect that while it lasts,” Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated while addressing parliament on Tuesday, July 4 after Mr Quayson was sworn-in.

    Despite offering congratulations to his colleague, the Majority Leader issued a cautionary message to Mr. Quayson, highlighting the temporary nature of his tenure as an MP.

    Implicitly referring to the upcoming legal proceedings against the incumbent MP, Mr. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized that Mr. Quayson’s position in the House currently hinges on the decision of the Attorney-General.

    “Mr Speaker, the rest of it, as we move from here, is in the hands of the Attorney-General,” the legislator stressed.

    He also maintained that the chances of Mr Quayson staying in office for long were very low.

    Moreover, the Majority Leader added that, “the parliamentary group of the NPP also believes that this is a momentary victory of phantasmal character that certainly will not last.

    Despite Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s warning, he said that the Majority Caucus is ready to welcome Mr Quayson into parliament.

    The Majority Leader told the House that “While he [Gyakye Quayson] remains here, we can only embrace him as a Member of Parliament, and we welcome him here to be part of the fraternity while it lasts.”

    Meanwhile, the NPP has since congratulated Mr Quayson for his victory in the Assin North by-election.

    According to the party, the NDC’s victory in the by-election adds to Ghana’s democratic credentials.

    “Indeed, the recent two by-elections have demonstrated the strength of the country’s democracy with outcomes favouring different political parties. This is a testament to Ghana’s much touted accolade as a bastion.”

    Background

    On Tuesday, July 4, James Gyakye Quayson was officially sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Assin North, following his victory in the by-election held on Tuesday, June 27.

    His win comes after the Supreme Court ruling on May 17, which declared his previous election invalid and barred him from holding the position. However, he successfully regained his seat in the by-election and now assumes his role as the representative of Assin North.

    His primary opponent, Charles Opoku of the New Patriotic Party, secured second place with 12,630 votes or 42.15% of the valid votes. Meanwhile, Bernice Enam Sefanu of the Liberal Party of Ghana received only 87 votes or 0.29%.

    The voter turnout was reported to be high at 74.23%, according to officials from the Electoral Commission.

    Mr. Quayson is currently facing charges of forgery and perjury, as filed by the Attorney-General’s Office. He is accused of deceiving a public officer and making a false declaration by not renouncing his Canadian citizenship when filing nominations for the 2020 election.

    However, Mr. Quayson has filed a motion on notice at the High Court, requesting a stay of proceedings until an appeal can be determined. The applicant seeks an order to suspend the ongoing court proceedings while awaiting the outcome of the appeal filed on June 27, 2023.

  • Minority strongly objected to new loans – Agbodza

    Minority strongly objected to new loans – Agbodza

    Minority Chief Whip, Governs Kwame Agbodza disagreed with the Majority’s claim that the latest loan approval by Parliament was unanimously authorized by the House.

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, Paul Twum Barimah had maintained that the Minority supported the approval of the loan agreements by the House on Tuesday.

    “So far as we know, we all support the loans. It was by voice vote, did you see anyone on his feet to question the loans? Nobody did that, not even their leadership nor any member and if you read the report it was a unanimous report,” Mr Twum Barimah said.

    But the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Adaklu in a Facebook post described the comments by his colleague on the Majority side as dishonest and inaccurate.

    “Let it be placed on record that the Minority was implacably opposed to these loans coming at a time our nation has defaulted on both domestic and external debt servicing and is struggling to secure an IMF program due to our debt overhang.

    “Indeed, we took turns to express our opposition, and still stand firmly in our conviction that only an irresponsible and unpatriotic Majority Group will support any additional borrowing of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government that has defaulted on our debt repayments. Such recklessness will truly find expression in the Guinness Book of Records.”

    Parliament on Tuesday approved an amount of $150 million dollars for the financing of the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme phase 2 under the Multi-phase programmatic approach.

    Parliament also approved an on-lending agreement between the government and the Development Bank Ghana for an amount of £170 million Euros to support the establishment of a financially sustainable development Bank.

    The House also approved a loan agreement between the government of Ghana and the World Bank for an amount of $200 million to finance the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project.

    Below is the full post by Kwame Agbodza

    RE: NDC MPs Supported Approval of Recent Loans – Dormaa East MP

    Our attention has been drawn to a mischievous publication by various news portals bearing the above caption and attributed to the NPP MP for Dormaa East Constituency, Hon. Paul Apreku Twum-Barimah.

    The Minority Caucus strongly debunks his claims and takes a serious view of such dishonest and desperate statements coming from an NPP MP who was part of the unpatriotic Majority group that took the decision to railroad these loans despite strong opposition from us.

    Let it be placed on record that the Minority was implacably opposed to these loans coming at a time our nation has defaulted on both domestic and external debt servicing and is struggling to secure an IMF program due to our debt overhang.

    Indeed, we took turns to express our opposition, and still stand firmly in our conviction that only an irresponsible and unpatriotic Majority Group will support any additional borrowing of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government that has defaulted on our debt repayments. Such recklessness will truly find expression in the Guinness Book of Records.

    We hereby urge the Ghanaian people to disregard any such suggestions that the Minority supported the approval of the recent loans, and treat all such assertions with the contempt they deserve.

  • Censure motion against Ofori-Atta has already failed – Afenyo-Markin

    The Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has described the censure motion against the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as a failed attempt by the Minority caucus in Parliament.

    According to Mr. Afenyo-Markin, the Majority will not in any way support any political motion for the removal of Mr. Ofori-Atta.

    He said the Majority will be exempted from any secret ballot against the Finance Minister, warning the Minority caucus not to tickle themselves of getting the numbers to secure a win.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South in the Northern Region, Haruna Iddrisu said, “if those courageous 98 gallant NPP MPs or Majority MPs cooperate, we will be very successful in getting a new Finance Minister for Ghana and exiting Ken Ofori-Atta”

    But responding to Mr. Iddrisu on the floor of Parliament, the Deputy Majority Leader, said, “the motion has already failed and who told you that you are going to get any support from this side? We have told you that it is a political motion, and we will not support you, as we made it clear.  Mr. Speaker, the Minority should not be under any impression that in any so-called secret ballot you are going to have somebody to support you as you do not have the numbers”.

    The Minority caucus in Parliament brought a censure of motion against the Finance Minister, accusing him of conflict of interest, gross mismanagement of the economy amongst others.

    Some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members of Parliament who are also calling for the removal of the Finance Minister have called on the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to respect the roadmap agreed upon.

    There was an agreement for the NPP MPs not to boycott the 2023 budget presentation, and that the necessary thing will be done after its read.

     

  • Freeze on public sector employment will worsen un- employment rate – Minority Leader

    Minority leader Haruna Iddrisu is concerned about the government’s decision to freeze public sector employment in 2023.

    He fears this will compound the high youth unemployment situation in the country.

    Expressing his grievances over the decision at a post-budget workshop at Ho in the Volta Region, Mr Iddrisu, charged the government to consider its impact on the youth of this country.

    “Mr. Speaker, Ghana’s economy and as I listened to the Honourable Minister of Finance, the 2023 budget statement is replete with evidence that the government is simply ‘broke’ and the economy in crisis,” he said.

    The concern follows the reading of the 2023 budget, dubbed the “Nkabom budget.”

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori- Atta, during the budget reading announced various policies aimed at “expenditure rationalisation” which included a freeze on hiring into the public and civil service effective January 2023.

    Addressing the content of the budget, the Minority Leader, who doubles as the Tamale South MP, intimated that the budget was an indication of the highly distressed state of the country.

    It is “an economy under life support that needs some resuscitation,” he stressed.

    He contended that some of the interventions that the government is seeking to embark on, including the capping of enrolment of nursing and teacher trainees and the reduction of the size of convoys, would rather worsen the state of the economy.

    The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei- Mensah-Bonsu, on the other hand,explained that the shocks and the depreciation of the cedi have been major contributing factors to the current economic hardships, which the 2023 Budget seeks to tackle.

    “These (COVID-19 and Russian-Ukraine war) have created internal and external imbalances in the clearly economic woes; high inflation and unsustainable financing of the current economic deficit and rapid depreciation of the cedi. Suddenly, these variables have brought a lot of hardships to the citizenry, particularly the poor and vulnerable,” he noted.

    He added that the budget intends to alleviate the plight of Ghanaians through increased spending on social protection.

     

  • Let’s work together to arrive at feasible Budget program – Oppong-Nkrumah to Majority, Minority

    Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah is urging the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament to work in close collaboration to get a feasible budget program that will propel the Ghanaian economy onto the path of recovery.

    In a tweet, the Minister hinted that government’s economic blueprint for next year which will be presented to Parliament on Thursday, November 24, 2022, will focus on prudent economic policies that will help reboot the economy, hence, needs the collaboration of both sides of the house.

    “The 2023 budget is supposed to be the foundation of our recovery. Majority and Minority will have to work together in the national interest to arrive at a feasible budget program,” he tweeted.

    Hinting on some key pillars of the budget, the Minister said it will focus on restoring macroeconomic stability, arresting the escalating cost of living, achieving moderate growth and completing ongoing government projects across the country.

    This, he said the budget statement is a prerequisite for securing an IMF deal and therefore must be carefully crafted in order to get the buy-in of all segments of society.

  • Minority engages in ‘strategic’ meeting ahead of vote of censure on Ofori-Atta

    All is set in parliament for the house to vote on a censure motion tabled against the Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    The house is yet to officially commence sitting for the day however the minority side which filed the motion seeking to remove the minister from office have filled their side of the chamber.

    The majority side on the other hand have a handful of their members in the chamber while others have been seen within the precents of the house.

    Ahead of the commencement of sitting, members of the minority group have been captured in a meeting which took place on the floor of the chamber.

    The minority members briefly stopped their chit-chat as they gathered around their leader, Haruna Iddrisu.

    The minority leader in the brief meeting was seen ostensibly outlining the caucus’ strategy to the members who listened with rapt attention.

    Meanwhile, the majority group in an earlier press conference have hinted of their plans to boycott the voting process.

    According to the majority, even though they support the call for the minister’s resignation, the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta should be on their terms.

    “We are here to reiterate that, however much you heard us speaking that based on the intervention of the president, we will have to see the minister of finance do his work, read budget, see through appropriation and then the president will act.

    “Over the days, we have heard the finance minister speaking and his speaking has influenced majority of us in the caucus, not only to state that we are back to the original position that we took, and that position is that the minister of finance must not be the one to read the budget, and must not be the one that would do the appropriation.

    “We are here to tell you this morning that this will be very soon for you to see, the position of us and we are going to be positively defiant about that posture until that action is taken. However, we are not going to support the cause of the NDC in the chamber this morning.

    “The cause of the NDC is premised on falsehood, propaganda and reasons that are not justifiable. Their position might look like ours but is not the same.”

    This comes following a decision by some 80 MPs to call for the sacking of the Finance Minister.

    The group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament petitioned president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during a presser on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, to sack the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of State at the finance ministry, Adu Boahen, to restore public confidence in the economy.”

    The group said it will not do business with government nor support the 2023 Budget if the president fails to heed their calls.

    According to them, the move follows previous concerns sent to the government that have not yielded any positive results.

    Akufo-Addo’s meeting with NPP MPs and Vote of censure:

    A meeting with the president following the demands by the NPP MPs meant that they had to stand down their request on two conditions.

    The conditions included that Ofori-Atta is allowed to conclude the current phase of financial support negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and also to present the 2023 budget and see to the passage of the appropriation bill before their removal request will be acted upon.

    It was on the same day that the Minority Caucus filed a censure. Their leader, Haruna Iddrisu assured the House days ago that the Minority Caucus he leads in Parliament will fully pursue a censure vote initiated against Ofori-Atta.

    Speaking on the floor of the House on Tuesday, November 1, 2022; Haruna reiterated having issued a nine-line whip for members of his caucus when the day of voting comes, affirming that he will move the motion before November 10.

    Haruna Iddrisu, after confirming that the motion will be filed also called on MPs in the Majority to join them to remove Ofori-Atta.

    “I will move the motion for the censure of the Minister for Finance, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta. Those like-minded persons who will dance with us, Mr. Speaker, they will be welcomed in the secret ballots,” Haruna stressed.

    Voting today:

    Parliament will require a vote with 2/3rd of MPs to decide the fate of the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

    With the current stance of the group from the Majority Caucus, it remains unclear what the outcome of this vote of censure will be.

     

     

  • Wealthy businessman tried to mediate on Ofori-Atta’s behalf – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu reveals

    Amid the calls for his resignation, Finance Minister’s predicament has courted him sympathisers in certain quarters of the business community.

    Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has revealed that when some of the Majority MPs called for Mr. Ofor-Atta’s dismissal, one of Ghana’s wealthy businessmen approached them to plead on behalf of the Minister.

    In an interview with JoyNews, the Majority leader explained that in the heat of the arguments in Parliament, the said businessman met some of the legislators and “tried to do something.”

    He fell short of stating what exactly the move was nor the form it took.

    “I’m told on authority that some businessman came here and tried to do something,” he told Evans Mensah.

    According to Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, a businessman ‘tried to do something’ in his own way to mediate on the Finance Minister’s sack in Parliament last week.

    Who could this businessman be?🤔 #JoySMS pic.twitter.com/Du3P0tboR9

    — Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) November 1, 2022

    The Suame MP insisted that it was meant to help persuade the members of the house against nudging the Minister out of office.

    “I was told that he came here and tried to mediate in his own way what he thinks the problem is,” he said.

    He further narrated that “he was repelled by the people and told he was told not to involve himself. So he went away.”

    This revelation was made in a yet-to-be-aired interview on PM Express on JoyNews.

    “If that is the case I want to talk to that man and know his motive. But people could also be indulging in speculation. So we want to hear him to see what it is… Did he come here?… did he come with any inducement? What was the motivation? Not having heard him, I don’t want to prejudge.”

    According to Osei-Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, the man in question is a known figure in the business community who has his own way of dealing with both sides of the political divide.

    The Finance Minister is the subject of criticism for what many say is a lost grip on the economy.

    Ken Ofori-Atta is at the doors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) seeking a bailout to prevent a further slump.

    Source: Myjoyonline

     

     

  • Alban Bagbin’s full ruling on Adwoa Safo

    On October 26, 2022, Alban Bagbin gave a ruling on absentee MPs who were referred to the privileges committee.

    He ruled that the report from the committee set up to look into the cases of the MP and two others who had absented themselves for some sittings should be presented before the plenary to be debated.

    He, therefore, dismissed the objection of the Majority Leader to the admissibility of the committee report for the consideration of the House.

    “As I have noted in this ruling, the decision (sic) on not to admit a motion is the exclusive preserve of the Speaker. In view of the foregoing, the House is well within its right to receive and consider reports of the committee and make a determination arising out of the consideration.

    “In the circumstances, it is my ruling that the motion was rightfully admitted, and the report of the committee is subject to the consideration of the House. It goes without saying that the (sic) objection of the Majority Leader today (sic) is hereby dismissed…” he concluded his verdict.

    Here is the full ruling of the Speaker

     

     

  • Council of State engages Majority Caucus

    The Standing Committee of the Council of State has engaged with the leadership of the majority caucus in Parliament to discuss ways the two sides can work together to prevent scuffles that have characterized the House during recent deliberations.

    The meeting with the Majority caucus on February 28 was to pave the way for the members to share from their viewpoint the challenges militating against smooth deliberations in Parliament, Graphic.com reports.

    The council led by Chairman of the Council State, Nana Otuo Siriboe II, had earlier met with the Minority Caucus to discuss the same issues.

    Addressing the press ahead of the closed-door meeting, Nana Otuo Siriboe II lamented over the fisticuffs in the House since the inauguration of the Eighth Parliament.

    “These do not reflect well on the nature of Ghana’s Parliament. This is the Eighth Parliament since the Fourth Republic, and all the seven Parliaments have performed with a lot of credit, and it is not proper that we should see this enviable record which we have had go down the drain,” he said.

    Describing Parliament as an awesome institution, he said recent developments in the House were, unfortunately, making Parliament become “awful”.

    “And we have to arrest that situation, and to be able to do that, we must be able to interact with you, the actors,” Graphic.com quoted.

    This engagement is one of the meetings scheduled to be hosted by the council to encourage good governance and foster peace among the country’s political leadership.

    The council intends to have separate meetings with the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and his two deputy speakers today, March 1, 2022.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • E-levy will no longer be withdrawn Majority

    The Majority in Parliament has backtracked on an earlier announcement in the business of the House that the Finance Minister will withdraw and reintroduce the Electronic Transfer Levy Bill.

    At the end of the business week on Friday, February 4, the statement read: 

    “Finance Minister has therefore given indication after his nationwide engagement with the citizenry on the Bill of the likelihood of the withdrawal of the Bill and the reintroduction of same on Friday, 11th February 2022 barring any unforeseen circumstances.

    “Speaker, after the withdrawal and reintroduction of the Bill, the Business Committee would programme the Bill for consideration during the course of the Fourth Week of this meeting and members are therefore encouraged to participate fully in the consideration of the Bill for the passing of good piece of legislation for the benefit of all,” the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin had said.

    The Effutu Member of Parliament on Friday, February 11 said this will no longer be the case as advertised.

    Besides, Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta is still on tour with the regional townhall meetings on the e-levy, he hinted.

    Source: 3news.com

  • Minority deliberately frustrating & stamping business of govt – NPP MP

    The Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim, Mr Prince Armah, alleges that the Minority group is deliberately frustrating government business in the House.

    The MP speaking to journalists upon resumption of sitting yesterday, Tuesday, January 25, 2022, called for cool heads to prevail cooperation from both sides for a successful consensus-building on the matter of the E-Levy.

    He, however, accused the Minority of frustrating government business.

    Per his personal opinion, the Minority wants to stampede and frustrate the government, and there is demonstrable evidence to show that they have an intention to frustrate the government.

    The MP expects that having returned from the Christmas break and reflecting over what happened in the House, he is looking forward to parliament where there would be the contestation of ideas and not confrontations.

    He urged members from both sides of the House to consider the interest of Ghanaians and help the government achieve its target.

    The MP, when asked to confirm his assertions that the Minority was frustrating government business, said: “certainly I think so. I sincerely do. I might be wrong, but this is my personal opinion. I think they are emboldened and strengthened by the numbers they have in the House, and they think they can use their numbers to stampede and frustrate government business. That is my personal belief.”

    He maintained that Ghanaians voted for the current MP for them to work together, and as legislators, they cannot do anything aside from what Ghanaians want.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com