TIG Post

Tag: Minority

  • NPP parliamentary candidates allocated 30 slots for recruitment into security services- Ato Forson claims

    NPP parliamentary candidates allocated 30 slots for recruitment into security services- Ato Forson claims

    The Minority has expressed concerns over what they describe as covert recruitment of party loyalists into the security services by the government.

    At a news conference in Parliament on May 20, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson claimed that each NPP Parliamentary candidate has been given 30 slots to fill with NPP supporters within the security services, including the Police and Army.

    “Notwithstanding the fact that the Minority raised serious concerns about the criteria adopted by the NPP government to recruit personnel into the security services, it has persisted in taking additional steps in the last few days that we have seen.”

    “The NDC Minority can authoritatively state that not long ago, the NPP government again illegally and fraudulently has given out 30 slots to all NPP parliamentary candidates across the country for recruitment into the security services,” he alleged.

    Dr. Forson called on President Akufo-Addo and the government to stop what he termed undemocratic behavior, stressing the importance of transparency and fairness in the recruitment processes within the security sector.

    The Minority Leader assured that the Minority in Parliament would stay vigilant and oppose any efforts to manipulate the upcoming elections.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of National Democratic Congress MPs to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and prevent any actions that could threaten democracy.

  • Minority kicks against gov’t’s call to halt cement price hikes

    Minority kicks against gov’t’s call to halt cement price hikes

    The Minority in Parliament has dismissed the government’s directive to halt the increase in cement prices, calling it unrealistic and unlawful.

    This follows Trade and Industry Minister K.T. Hammond‘s instruction to cement manufacturers to halt price increases and publish retail prices to prevent arbitrary hikes.

    The Minority argues that this approach is misguided and will not yield the desired results.

    During a media engagement, Yusif Sulemana, Ranking Member of the Trade and Industry Committee, argued that the directive is infeasible without addressing root causes.

    Mr. Sulemana highlighted that cement manufacturers are already burdened with levies, including a fumigation levy, despite not receiving the corresponding service.

    He emphasized the need for government engagement with manufacturers to identify areas where taxes can be reduced and stimulus packages offered to support their business.

    “As we speak to you, cement manufacturers pay a levy on fumigation, fumigation levy but when their goods arrive, nobody fumigates it’s they pay for a service they do not benefit. And then you come to tell me to reduce the prices of my commodity,

    “I’ve never seen it anywhere. This is a competitive market, engage them and see where there’s a need that you the government can reduce some taxes. Where there’s a need for you to do certain things that will stimulate their business.”

    “You don’t sit in your office and issue a directive saying that they should reduce their prices. I can tell you on authority that this is not going anywhere. What law is he referring to? Is there any law that says a minister can sit in his office and issue a letter that reduces the prices of commodities?

    “It is only under this government we are seeing this. What we need to do is to sit with them and identify the root cause.”

  • Control excessive spending to stabilize cedi – Minority to govt

    Control excessive spending to stabilize cedi – Minority to govt

    The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to stick to fiscal consolidation and rein in excessive spending to curb the depreciation of the cedi.

    Speaking to the press in Parliament, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson accused the government of overspending and awarding contracts in billions of US dollars without proper budgetary and parliamentary approval, contributing to the weakening of the cedi.

    “Our cedi is depreciating because the government is on an expenditure spree, spending money as if there is no tomorrow,” he alleged. As we speak, we are aware that they are awarding contracts in billions of US dollars without budgetary and parliamentary approval,” he added.

    Dr. Forson, who also represents the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam, outlined several factors contributing to the cedi’s decline, including the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) policies, such as mixed cash reserve ratios and maintaining segmented foreign exchange markets.

    Despite significant foreign exchange inflows from international bodies like the IMF and World Bank, Dr. Forson criticized the government’s management of the cedi, attributing its continued depreciation to poor decision-making.

    He highlighted the adverse effects of the cedi’s depreciation on the prices of goods and services, leading to increased costs for consumers and worsening economic conditions for Ghanaians, especially importers facing higher expenses for the same quantity of goods.

  • Tweneboah Kodua is not qualified to serve as NIB’s MD – Minority to govt

    Tweneboah Kodua is not qualified to serve as NIB’s MD – Minority to govt

    The Minority in Parliament has strongly objected to the naming of the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboah Kodua Fokuo, as the new Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB).

    In a press release endorsed by Dr. Kwabena Donkor, the Ranking Member on the Committee on Employment, Social Welfare, and State-Owned Enterprises, the minority MPs voiced their apprehensions regarding the politicization of state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

    They argue that such appointments erode public confidence in the government’s capacity to efficiently manage national assets.

    Branding it a politically motivated appointment, the NDC MPs assert that the bank requires a leadership team with formidable managerial expertise and a robust recovery strategy to resuscitate its current “life support” status.

    “To appoint a Parliamentary Candidate six months into an election beggars belief. The integrity and or the lack of it in this appointment is a clear sign that the Government and the Bank of Ghana have no desire to resuscitate the ailing Bank but are only interested in milking the dying cow.”

    “The ignoble thinking behind the appointment must be condemned by all well-meaning Ghanaians,” the statement read.

    These objections come following the announcement of Mr. Tweneboa Kodua Fokuo’s assumption of office as the Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB), succeeding Samuel Sarpong.

    His appointment becomes effective from Monday, May 13, 2024.

    A memo circulated among staff members of the Bank clarified that Mr. Fokuo’s appointment was made by “the majority shareholder.”

    It further detailed that Philip Ofori-Asante has been nominated as Deputy Managing Director, following Mr. Fokuo’s appointment.

    However, the Minority in Parliament contends that the Bank of Ghana is mandated by Act 612 to approve all senior bank appointments in the Banking and Deposit-taking Sector.

    Consequently, the BoG holds a legal obligation to halt this appointment in its regulatory capacity, “assuming the President is misled by Advisors for obvious political considerations.”

    The Minority urged President Akuffo Addo to reconsider Mr. Fokuo’s appointment, urging him to prioritize the integrity and business sustainability of the National Investment Bank.

    “We demand the reversal of this appointment and a more transparent and impartial selection process that prioritises merit, competence and meritocracy over political affiliation,” they added.

  • NPP plotting to transfer Ghana’s natural gas resources to a private company – Minority

    NPP plotting to transfer Ghana’s natural gas resources to a private company – Minority

    Minority in Parliament alleges that there’s a plan underway to transfer control of Ghana’s natural gas reserves to a private entity.

    According to John Jinapor, the Minority Spokesperson on Mines and Energy, the original deal involved a foreign company, but to circumvent the need for parliamentary approval, a local entity has been established in Ghana to proceed with the agreement.

    Jinapor criticises the lack of transparency surrounding the contract, labelling it as corrupt. He highlights concerns that the government is attempting to evade parliamentary scrutiny by resorting to such tactics.

    He explains that whilst one of the factions in government is “supporting Intel Logistics Bureau, another faction is supporting Genser for the same resources.”

    “This has the potential to lead to serious judgement debt against the state,” he cautioned.

    Describing the contract as “illegitimate, illegal, opaque, and clandestine,” the Yapei Kusawgu lawmaker likened it to an existing agreement he deems a “rip-off,” where “Genser is paying US$1.70 for gas that should be sold around US$6.00.”

    The former Deputy Minister of Energy further alleged that some high-ranking government officials are exerting pressure on the Chief Executive of Ghana Gas to approve certain contracts.

    He sent a word of caution to government and the companies involved to advise themselves since the next NDC administration will not countenance any such arrangements.

    “We in the minority wish to send a caution and let me make it clear that we are aware that that unimpeachable information indicates that some high-ranking officials in government are pressuring the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gas Company to sign some of these dubious-contracts.

    “Let me make it clear without equivocation that the next John Mahama administration will not be bound by illegal contracts. In as much as we respect the sanctity of contracts, we will not honour illegitimate, illegal, opaque, clandestine contracts that go against the Republic of Ghana,” he cautioned

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVygh-kV90Q
  • Minority to raise $240m 13th African Games expenditure in Parliament

    Minority to raise $240m 13th African Games expenditure in Parliament

    The Minority in Parliament has announced its intention to request a value-for-money report on the $240 million allocated for the 13th African Games held in Accra when the house reconvenes.

    The Caucus recently voiced concerns over the event’s poor organization, lack of clear policies for tourism promotion and trade facilitation, and the absence of economic viability strategies, despite the significant amount spent.

    In an interview with Citi News, the Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee, Kobena Mensah Woyome, stated that the value-for-money report would reveal the precise costs associated with the continental event.

    “As I speak to you today, we haven’t received it [the value for money report]. So why haven’t we received it [the Value for Money report]? And not that we have not been asking. We have been requesting [for it] at meetings but we are yet to receive it.

    “The experts in the industry and the engineers in the industry are calling and saying that looking at how much money we used for this ABCD, per their professional calculation, they think they are not just the best.

    “So we have to do something more scientific. So we are working on looking at the infrastructure, how much money we used and so if they have the value for money report, then they should make it available for us.”

  • You are just Akufo-Addo’s nominees, you have no authority to give instructions – Minority to Ministers-designate

    You are just Akufo-Addo’s nominees, you have no authority to give instructions – Minority to Ministers-designate

    The Minority in Parliament has urged Ministers-designate to refrain from assuming roles as representatives of the president and called on the Chief of Staff to revoke any unauthorized appointments designating them as such.

    This call follows allegations that the Chief of Staff created temporary appointments for Ministers-designate awaiting parliamentary approval, labeling them as ‘Representatives of the President.’

    Minister of Health designate, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, faced scrutiny when he conducted inspections at health facilities, purportedly as the President’s representative. However, he denied operating unlawfully within the Health Ministry amidst delays in his parliamentary approval.

    In a statement issued by the Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and MP for Juaboso, the Minority stressed that Minister-designates, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, as nominees of the President, lack the authority to instruct or implement policy changes within ministry agencies.

    “The Minister-designate who is only a nominee of the President has no authority whatsoever to instruct or direct, implement or propose policy changes for agencies within a sector ministry and therefore under what power or authority does he/she summon CEOs and other heads of institutions, who may be busy with their official schedules, to grant him audience or presentations on their management of state institutions?

    “The Minority in Parliament would therefore like to advise the Chief of Staff to revoke all illegal appointments appointing Minister-designates as Representatives of the President. We further caution persons so appointed to stop holding themselves out as Representatives of the President to designated Ministries. We urge all members of the public, particularly public sector workers not to extend any privilege reserved for Ministers to such persons.”

    “Therefore, for a highly regulated power centre such as the Presidency, it is ultra vires for the Chief of Staff who derives all her powers from the President as prescribed by the 1992 constitution to be creating new offices alien to the constitution.”

    The Minority highlighted that the 1992 constitution does not support the creation of representatives of the President in Ministries of State, declaring such actions as ultra vires for the Chief of Staff.

    Furthermore, the caucus emphasized that a Minister, appointed by the President with the prior approval of Parliament, holds the representative role, and Minister-designates should not assume such responsibilities until parliamentary approval is secured.

    The Minority concluded by declaring it unlawful for any individual to present themselves as a Representative of the President to a Ministry exercising executive authority, advocating for adherence to constitutional processes and roles within government institutions.

  • You can’t waste scares resources to repaint public schools in this economic crisis – Minority tells Education Minister

    You can’t waste scares resources to repaint public schools in this economic crisis – Minority tells Education Minister

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Minority has called on the Education Minister to halt the rebranding of public basic schools and instead focus on addressing critical challenges in basic education in the country.

    In a statement issued by Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Education Committee and NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Bulsa South, the Minority expressed concerns about the allocation of resources towards rebranding efforts.

    They emphasized the need to prioritize resolving pressing issues affecting basic education.

    “How can the Minister, at this time of economic crisis in Ghana, be thinking of wasting public resources to repaint public schools in Blue and White colours; and introduce wearing of Blue and White uniforms in public schools, when one million plus public basic school pupils have no access to furniture?”  

    “Has the Minister (Education) forgotten, what he told Parliament, during his last visit? In his report to Parliament, it has been captured that only 65 per cent of textbooks have been supplied thus far.” 

    “May I remind him that capitation grants are still in arrears for the equivalent of eight terms?” 

    He questioned how rebranding could be a priority in the face of these challenges facing public education in Ghana. 

    Dr. Apaak outlined a range of challenges affecting teaching and learning in public basic schools in Ghana. These include the delay in the release of the Capitation Grant, which was in arrears for eight tranches (equivalent to eight terms), as well as infrastructural deficits such as poor toilet facilities.

    He also highlighted the lack of textbooks from kindergarten to junior high school, more than three years after the introduction of reforms, and the absence of sample questions for the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, who represent the first batch of the new reform.

    Additionally, Dr. Apaak pointed out the lack of furniture for both teachers and students, inadequate security personnel to protect school properties leading to theft cases, unpaid utility bills (electricity and water) resulting in disconnections, and the challenge of waste disposal faced by schools in urban areas due to the lack of funds to pay waste collectors.

    He emphasized that basic school administrators were struggling to manage schools due to inadequate funding, neglect, and delays in the release of the capitation grants.

    Dr. Apaak stressed that these were the issues the Education Minister should prioritize, rather than focusing on the colors of school blocks and uniforms. He criticized the expenditure of public resources on painting schools in specific colors and introducing new uniforms, which he deemed as misplaced priorities.

    “We call on Ghanaians to join us in resisting this needless initiative in the collective interest of the State of the Republic of Ghana,” he said. 

    “If the Ministry of Education has funds, advisedly, those funds should go to address the long list of challenges narrated by Heads of public basic schools.” 

  • Suspend scholarship secretariat registrar – Minority demands

    Suspend scholarship secretariat registrar – Minority demands

    The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate suspension of Dr. Kingsley Agyemang following the scandalous revelations exposed by the Fourth Estate.

    The investigation points to irregular and biased practices in awarding scholarships by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat.

    NDC MPs assert that the Fourth Estate’s findings have been corroborated by concerned citizens, both domestically and internationally.

    They argue that such actions are unfair to deserving Ghanaian students who depend on the Secretariat for assistance.

    In a press release issued on Monday, April 8, and endorsed by Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Education Committee, minority members are urging for Dr. Kingsley Agyemang’s immediate suspension. They call on the President to address the issue promptly to prevent further misappropriation of public funds.

    MinorityInterdictScholarshipSect_240408_163240Download

    “We call on President Akufo-Addo to act swiftly in this matter in order to protect the public purse from further abuse.”

    They have also called on the Special Prosecutor to promptly commence a forensic audit into the operations of the Secretariat.

    “The Special Prosecutor must order an immediate forensic audit of all scholarships awarded since January 2017,” the statement added.

    “I think a scholarship legislation is so eminent and that will set out everything that we need to do or how the funds need to be managed.”

    “It’s been managed over the years by the dexterity of leaders. What I think is so important – so in conjunction with maybe National Development Planning Commission and DPC to really identify priority areas that as Ghanaians, we need to.”

  • I never used the word “hooligans” against NDC MPs – BoG Governor

    I never used the word “hooligans” against NDC MPs – BoG Governor

    Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Ernest Addison, has clarified remarks attributed to him during the #OccupyBoG protest in October last year.

    Dr. Addison stated that the term “hooligans” was not used by him but was instead attributed to him by a foreign media house that initially covered the story.

    During his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Parliament on Monday, April 8, 2024, Dr. Ernest Addison clarified that the term “hooliganism” was an interpretation by the media house and not an accurate representation of his words.

    “This is what I am coming to say that those who know me and know my character…you have not heard a single word of a recorded message with me describing parliamentarians in that manner. This was some foreign journalist’s description of the conversation we had and I disowned it,” he stated.

    The #OccupyBoG demonstration, which took place in October 2023, involved a coalition of minority parliamentarians, NDC supporters, and various interest groups.

    They were demanding the resignations of Dr. Addison and his deputies over allegations of economic mismanagement and unauthorized currency printing.

    Dr. Addison had responded to the protest by referring to the demonstrators as “hooligans” and stating that neither he nor his deputies would resign.

    However, in an interview with the international business website Central Banking, he later characterized the NDC-led protest as “completely unnecessary.”

  • Take all health facilities out of your ‘dumsor’ list – Minority tells govt

    Take all health facilities out of your ‘dumsor’ list – Minority tells govt

    Minority in Parliament is calling for health facilities to be spared from the ongoing unannounced and unscheduled electricity load shedding conducted by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Additionally, they are pushing for an audit to assess the capacity and dependability of backup power systems in hospitals.

    “The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with relevant agencies, must, without delay, exempt all health facilities nationwide from the current unannounced and unscheduled electricity load shedding and power outages.”

    “The Ministry of Health working in tandem with the Ghana Health Service should audit all alternate power supply systems within health facilities to determine their capacity and reliability in handling electricity disruptions and procurement of emergency power supply systems should be done if current systems are inadequate,” the caucus stated in a release issued by Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health and MP for Juaboso on Thursday.

    The Minority expressed concern over reports that the power outages have led to increased morbidity and mortality among patients, particularly those relying on public health facilities.

    “Amid these happenings, the government has refused to heed wise counsel from suffering Ghanaians and businesses to publish a load shedding timetable to enable them to plan their lives. This situation has obviously begun to take a toll on critical healthcare facilities across the country,” it added.

    The caucus strongly argued that during a period of purported surplus capacity, the government’s decision to impose a load-shedding program is deeply unjustified. There is simply no acceptable reason for disrupting electricity supply, particularly to vital health facilities.

    “We therefore demand swift action from relevant authorities to address these critical issues and safeguard the delivery of vital health services to Ghanaians,” it added.

    PRESS-STATEMENT-Hospital-ExemptDownload
  • Minority opposes involvement of private sector in Saglemi Housing Project

    Minority opposes involvement of private sector in Saglemi Housing Project

    The opposition in Parliament has vehemently opposed the government’s proposal to collaborate with a private developer to address the issues surrounding the Saglemi Housing Project.

    This stance follows the revelation by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, that an estimated $100 million is needed to make the area suitable for occupancy.

    During a visit to the project site on Tuesday, Oppong-Nkrumah outlined the government’s plan to engage a private partner within five weeks.

    “I gave instructions to the technical working group that within the next five weeks, it should go ahead with an international expression of interest that is designed to attract private developers who can come in and complete this project for us so that we can put it to use.”

    However, the Ranking Member on the Works and Housing Committee, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, expressed reservations, alleging that the government aims to transfer the Saglemi Housing Project to its political allies.

    Asamoah further criticized the current administration, stating, “the only thing is that they just want to reduce the price, and then they will sell it to their cronies. They are saying, Oh, we are bringing in partners here, and at the end of it, it is their people that are going to come in.”

    He further criticized the current administration, claiming, “If you go out there, all state lands and every property are going for sale under the NPP administration. Every property, landed property, is going for sale. Let’s see the end of the NPP administration, and we will see the rot,” citinewsroom.com quoted him.

    Initiated in 2012 during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s tenure, the Saglemi Housing Project aimed to build 5,000 housing units.

    However, the project has been embroiled in controversy, with allegations of financial mismanagement leading to its suspension.

    “I gave instructions to the technical working group that within the next five weeks, it should go ahead with an international expression of interest that is designed to attract private developers who can come in and complete this project for us so that we can put it to use.”

    “The only thing is that they just want to reduce the price, and then they will sell it to their cronies. They are saying, Oh, we are bringing in partners here, and at the end of it, it is their people that are going to come in.”

  • Minority demands probe in $240m spent on African Games 2023

    Minority demands probe in $240m spent on African Games 2023

    The Minority in Parliament is calling for a bipartisan parliamentary probe into the $240 million spent by the government on the recently concluded 13th African Games.

    According to the Minority, despite the significant amount of money allocated to the games, the organization and management were poor and shambolic compared to previous editions hosted by other African countries.

    Ranking Member on the Youth and Sports Committee of Parliament, Kobena Mensah Woyome, criticized the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, describing the 13th African Games in Ghana as a monumental disaster and a total embarrassment to the country.

    He highlighted that despite the substantial financial investment, the event failed to achieve economic viability, promote tourism, or facilitate trade effectively.

    Mr. Woyome emphasized that the expenditure on the games was alarming, particularly given the nation’s current economic challenges.

    Drawing comparisons to previous hosts, he noted that Morocco spent 46 million euros and Congo spent 60 million dollars on the 12th and 11th editions, respectively, yet managed to develop ultra-modern sports facilities.

    “The just-ended games were a monumental disaster and a total embarrassment to our dear country. The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government spent a staggering 240 million dollars on the just-ended games yet, the organisation and management of the event were poor and shambolic.

    “Quite apart from the fact that it lacked the clear combined effect of economic viability, the organisation of the games lacked clear-cut policies for tourism promotion and trade facilitation. This could have given us some economic value for the huge expenditure on the game.

    “Given the current state of the Ghanaian economy, which has been rendered bankrupt by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government. Emerging details about the hefty expenditure of the games raised concerns among Ghanaians.

    “Four years Morocco, hosted the 12 edition of the African games and spent 46 million euros, prior to that Congo spent 60 million dollars to host the 11th edition.”

  • You introduced those taxes, don’t blame GRA for your mess – Minority goes hard on Bawumia

    You introduced those taxes, don’t blame GRA for your mess – Minority goes hard on Bawumia

    The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, for his recent comments regarding the revenue mobilization methods employed by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

    During a meeting with the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Bawumia expressed concerns about the alleged misuse of tax collection by GRA staff, citing it as a pretext for harassing businesses.

    The NDC MPs have deemed Dr. Bawumia’s remarks unsubstantial, particularly considering his position as the Vice President of the country.

    In a press statement released on Tuesday, March 26, and signed by their leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, they emphasized the importance of accountability. They urged Dr Bawumia and the government to acknowledge their role in creating what they perceive as a high tax regime.

    The Minority expressed surprise at Dr. Bawumia’s public criticism of the GRA, arguing that the authority is simply fulfilling its constitutionally mandated duty of tax enforcement.

    Additionally, they argued that the Akufo-Addo administration’s policies of excessive taxation have made Ghana a less appealing destination for business activities.

    “It is shocking to note that Alhaji Bawumia had the audacity to single out GRA workers for attack and condemnation after the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government had imposed a lot of taxes on businesses and Ghanaians.”

    “The government’s huge appetitie for taxes has created a high tax regime which has made the country unattractive for doing business. It is therefore not surprising that many businesses in Ghana are relocating to other countries in the West African sub-region. This spells doom and gloom for Ghanaian employees as jobs which would have otherwise been filled by them get exported as a consequence of the relocation of businesses from the country.”

    Organized Labour, in a statement dated Friday, March 22, 2024, has labeled Dr. Bawumia’s comments as “unfortunate,” viewing them as a discrediting of the dedicated efforts of GRA employees.

    They cautioned that such remarks could lead to worker dissatisfaction, hinder revenue collection, and incite industrial unrest.

    The group urged the Vice President to acknowledge the significant strides made by the GRA or refrain from making remarks that undermine their efforts.

    They also highlighted the inconsistency in Dr. Bawumia’s position, considering his leadership role in the Economic Management Team and his knowledge of the government’s targets for the Authority through the Ministry of Finance.

    “We would like to state unequivocally that, we the workers of GRA find this statement unfortunate and consider it as an attack on the efforts of the hard-working staff of the Authority which if not discontinued, would incur the displeasure of workers, disrupt revenue collection efforts and breed industrial disharmony.”

  • Stop the propaganda against Bagbin – Minority tells Majority

    Stop the propaganda against Bagbin – Minority tells Majority

    The Minority in Parliament has criticized the Majority for challenging the Speaker’s decision to suspend the approval process for Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State.

    According to the NDC MPs, the Majority should accept responsibility for the situation rather than shifting blame. They accused the Speaker of intentionally stopping the approval process, thereby impeding the President and his government from receiving necessary support.

    In a press release issued on Wednesday, March 20, the NPP MPs called on the public to condemn Speaker Alban Bagbin’s actions.

    However, their counterparts, in a subsequent press statement, described their position as “bizarre and unfortunate” and urged Ghanaians to ignore their rhetoric.

    The Minority reiterated that the Majority Caucus is engaging in deliberate distortions and extensive propaganda to provoke public sentiment against the Speaker.

    “After falling on its own dagger in Parliament on Wednesday, our attention has been drawn to a mischievous statement issued by the Majority Caucus blaming the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament and the Minority Caucus for the development in Parliament.”

    “It is bizarre and unfortunate that the Majority Caucus accuses Mr. Speaker of arbitrariness and falsely claims that the Speaker and the Minority are sabotaging so-called government business.”

    “The Majority Caucus is engaged in deliberate distortions and grand propaganda to whip up public sentiments against the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the Minority Caucus with these false claims,” an excerpt the Minority’s statement said.

  • We will shock Akufo-Addo with an impeachment proceedings soon – Minority

    We will shock Akufo-Addo with an impeachment proceedings soon – Minority

    President Akufo-Addo may face impeachment proceedings in parliament soon, as announced by the Minority MPs.

    The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, stated their intention to undertake this action due to their belief that the president’s actions have led the country into difficulties.

    They allege that President Akufo-Addo’s approach to governing contradicts the constitution of Ghana, prompting them to initiate impeachment processes.

    “The NDC Minority is ready to protect the sanctity of the constitution of the republic of Ghana, and we stand with the Speaker of Parliament in this. Let the president of Ghana and his government be aware that where this country is going is strange under his watch and the NDC Minority will not countenance it.

    “But I want to urge that it is obvious that His Excellency the president has breached the constitution and we’ll advise ourselves. In the coming days, he’s going to be surprised that we’ll begin impeachment proceedings against the president,” he stated.

    The NDC MPs responded to the president’s decision not to assent to the recently-passed anti-gay bill, formally known as the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

    They expressed concerns about a letter from the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, which instructed Parliament to stop transmitting the bill to the president for action, citing ongoing legal issues.

    In what appears to be a retaliatory move, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended the approval of some ministerial and deputy ministerial nominees following a lawsuit against the appointment by South Dayi MP, Rockson Nelson-Dafeamekpor.

    He stated that this decision was made to uphold the rule of law and that the House would reconsider the appointments after the Supreme Court rules on an application for interlocutory injunction.

  • BREAKING: Impeachment process against Akufo-Addo to begin

    BREAKING: Impeachment process against Akufo-Addo to begin

    President Akufo-Addo may face impeachment proceedings in parliament soon, as announced by the Minority MPs.

    The Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, stated their intention to undertake this action due to their belief that the president’s actions have led the country into difficulties.

    They allege that President Akufo-Addo’s approach to governing contradicts the constitution of Ghana, prompting them to initiate impeachment processes.

    “The NDC Minority is ready to protect the sanctity of the constitution of the republic of Ghana, and we stand with the Speaker of Parliament in this. Let the president of Ghana and his government be aware that where this country is going is strange under his watch and the NDC Minority will not countenance it.

    “But I want to urge that it is obvious that His Excellency the president has breached the constitution and we’ll advise ourselves. In the coming days, he’s going to be surprised that we’ll begin impeachment proceedings against the president,” he stated.

    The NDC MPs responded to the president’s decision not to assent to the recently-passed anti-gay bill, formally known as the Promotion of Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

    They expressed concerns about a letter from the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, which instructed Parliament to stop transmitting the bill to the president for action, citing ongoing legal issues.

    In what appears to be a retaliatory move, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin suspended the approval of some ministerial and deputy ministerial nominees following a lawsuit against the appointment by South Dayi MP, Rockson Nelson-Dafeamekpor.

    He stated that this decision was made to uphold the rule of law and that the House would reconsider the appointments after the Supreme Court rules on an application for interlocutory injunction.

  • VIDEO: Afenyo-Markin withdraws ‘age-card attack’ on NDC’s Prof Naana Jane after pressure from Minority

    VIDEO: Afenyo-Markin withdraws ‘age-card attack’ on NDC’s Prof Naana Jane after pressure from Minority

    Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has retracted controversial age-related comments he made on the floor of Parliament on March 11, 2024, against Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the running mate of National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Mahama.

    During his final submissions on the State of the Nation (SONA) debate, Afenyo-Markin criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing them of lacking plans for Ghana’s future.

    He cited the party’s selection of septuagenarian Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as running mate to former President John Mahama as evidence for his claim, adding that the former education minister failed in that role.

    “Even if you look at his choice of running mate, he could not get somebody that one could say that they are planning for the future. The person is over 70 years old.

    “There is no succession plan. Mr. Speaker, from day one, the government will be in crisis. Mr Speaker, they went to pick a very old person who could not perform at the Education Ministry,” Afenyo-Markin said before the Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, rose to issue a spirited rebuttal to the Majority Leader.

    Following the comments, sitting was suspended after NDC MPs demanded a withdrawal and apology from the Majority Leader. Afenyo-Markin has since rendered an apology for his remarks.

    When the House resumed, he issued the said withdrawal, stating: “When we went into conclave, colleagues expressed concern about the issue of age, so Mr. Speaker, the submission was to the effect that our opponents don’t have a succession plan for the future, not to denigrate their running mate on the basis of age.

    “So, I withdraw that aspect of the submission that referred to her age as the basis of my contention,” he added before continuing with his concluding remarks on the SONA debate.

  • COCOBOD’s indebtedness will lead to its collapse – Minority warns

    COCOBOD’s indebtedness will lead to its collapse – Minority warns

    The Minority in Parliament has raised serious concerns about the potential collapse of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) due to its considerable indebtedness to banks.

    According to the Minority, COCOBOD’s 2024 budget anticipates a substantial loss of 2.6 billion Ghana Cedis, heightening fears of potential defaults on loan payments.

    Following President Nana Akufo-Addo’s State of the Nation Address earlier this week, Eric Opoku, the Minority Spokesperson on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, voiced his apprehensions about the deteriorating state of COCOBOD in an interview with Citi News.

    Mr Opoku expressed concern about COCOBOD’s financial distress, stating, “Do you know in this country where COCOBOD is in distress? Is choked by debts? COCOBOD has been taking loans from the banks and they are unable to pay?”

    Furthermore, Opoku highlighted the challenges faced by workers, revealing that approximately 35,000 employees of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) are now unemployed due to the collapse of the firm.

  • Energy Minister must be summoned over power cuts – Minority MPs

    Energy Minister must be summoned over power cuts – Minority MPs

    Members of the Minority in Parliament have urged the House leadership to summon the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, to explain the government’s efforts in addressing the recent power outages.

    Alhassan Suhuyini, the MP for Tamale North, expressed concern on Friday, March 1, over the adverse effects of the power cuts on households and businesses.

    He made the appeal during the presentation of the business statement for the upcoming year.

    “Many people and businesses are unable to plan their activities and their programmes and they also sometimes have to find extra money to power their generators for their businesses and many people do not know what is happening.

    “They are told that there are planned and unplanned programmes and load is being shed, so it is important that the leadership of the House makes it possible for the Energy Minister to brief the House next week on the power situation and why fellow countrymen and women have to deal with the on and off situation. Ghanaians need to understand why they sleep in darkness.”

    Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the MP for Tamale Central, recounted a disturbing incident where a National Service Personnel got trapped in one of Parliament’s elevators during a power outage. He demanded that Ghanaians be kept informed about developments in the power sector.

    “My issue has to do with the erratic power supply. Just two days ago, there was a National Service Personnel who was trapped in one of the lifts when the power went off. She was traumatized when she finally exited the lift and so are we able to quantify the psychological trauma that people go through as a result of this and so it is essential that the Minister for Energy responds to this House to explain to us so we can explain to our constituents what is happening.”

  • “We want Kyei” – Minority MPs chant in Parliament

    “We want Kyei” – Minority MPs chant in Parliament

    The Minority MPs, arriving late to the chamber for the 2024 State of the Nation Address, nearly disrupted today’s proceedings with a chant.

    According to our reporter in Parliament, Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George asked about the whereabouts of former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu when he could not locate him.

    This led other NDC MPs to also inquire about his whereabouts, resulting in a massive chant.

    “We want Kyei”, they chanted repeatedly.

    Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu officially stepped down as Majority Leader on Friday, February 23, after informing the Majority Caucus on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

    Despite speculation of coercion, the former Majority Leader maintained that his decision to resign was voluntary.

    “A lot of discussions have gone on in respect of the subject matter. Some of them are very informed, others unfortunately not informed…Mr Speaker, it was amidst the discussions that at a meeting of the caucus, which the President had requested, I tended my resignation as Majority Leader in order to still the storm and facilitate peace and unity required for my party at this time,” Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.

    He added “Mr Speaker, that decision that I made was not within the presence of Parliament. This morning, I summoned the caucus meeting to formally announce to my colleagues that I’ve elected voluntarily to step down as a majority leader and by that leader of the house.”

    Meanwhile, renowned Ghanaian economist Kwame Pianim has expressed his disapproval of the removal of Suame MP, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu from his role as Majority Leader in Parliament.

    Mr Pianim, a leading member of the NPP, believes that Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu should have been retained to manage Parliament and facilitate connections between MPs and other party groups in preparation for the 2024 elections.

    In an interview on the AM Show, Pianim praised Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu as an icon in Parliament, noting the challenges of managing the legislative body and ensuring that all bills are in line with the constitution.

    “Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu is an icon in Parliament. I think that managing Parliament is not easy. He has to make sure that all the bills that cabinet ministers and the president send are in line with the constitution.

    “I am saddened. I think he should have been left there to manage Parliament and also lead the Parliamentary group to join forces with the presidential group of the party and then the party itself that is the chairman and his group and the leader of the party that is the flagbearer.”



  • Minority finally arrives in Parliament for SONA 2024 after boycott scare

    Minority finally arrives in Parliament for SONA 2024 after boycott scare

    The Minority Members of Parliament have now begun entering the chamber for the State of the Nation Address to be delivered by President Akufo-Addo.

    Initially, the Minority MPs were absent for about 30 minutes while their colleagues on the Majority side had already taken their seats. During this period, President Akufo-Addo had arrived in Parliament but had not yet entered the chamber.

    NDC MPs absent for 2024 SONA

    Reports suggest that Majority Leader Afenyo-Markin had discussions with the Minority MPs to persuade them to enter the chamber.

    So far, just a handful of the NDC MPs can be seen in the chamber. Among them are Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak and  James Klutse Avedzi, Ketu North MP.

    This annual address, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, allows the President to provide an overview of the nation’s current state at the start of each parliamentary session.

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, former Speaker of Parliament Aaron Mike Oquaye, and Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, wife of late former President Jerry John Rawlings, have arrived at Parliament House in Accra for the event. Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is also in attendance.

  • Minority absent in parliament as President readies to deliver SONA

    Minority absent in parliament as President readies to deliver SONA

    Members of Parliament on the Minority side are not in the chamber as President Nana Akufo-Addo readies to provide a comprehensive briefing on the current state of affairs in the country today.

    The chairs that are occupied by the NDC MPs are empty, per information picked up by our reporter in Parliament.

    President Akufo-Addo has arrived in Parliament but is yet to make his way to the chamber.

    This annual address, mandated by Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution, serves as a means for the President to provide an overview of the nation’s current state at the beginning of each session of Parliament.

    Already, former President John Dramani Mahama and former Speaker of Parliament, Aaron Mike Oquaye, have arrived at the Parliament House in Accra for the highly anticipated event.

    Also in attendance are Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, wife of former President, Jerry John Rawlings, and Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Mahama, Nana Agyeman Konadu Rawlings, Mike Oquaye at Parliament
  • 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”.

  • Chairman of the Health Committee is obstructing Covid-19 expenditure investigation – Minority

    Chairman of the Health Committee is obstructing Covid-19 expenditure investigation – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has alleged that Dr. Ayew Afriyie, the chair of the Health Committee, is intentionally impeding a parliamentary investigation into the government’s COVID-19 expenditure.

    Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, assigned the Finance and Health Committees the responsibility of promptly examining the use of COVID-19 funds. This directive was issued in response to perceived irregularities in the management of COVID-19 funds, as highlighted by the Finance Minister on June 22, 2022.

    On February 21, the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, expressed concerns on the floor of Parliament, accusing the MP for Effiduase/Asokore of obstructing the investigation. According to Dr. Forson, the chairman of the joint committee, Ayew Afriyie, has not convened a meeting to address the matter, creating a sense of sabotage.

    Dr. Forson stated, “The chairman of the joint committee, Ayew Afriyie, has not called a meeting to sit on the matter. The ranking member cannot obviously call a meeting and it is only the chairman who can call the meeting. So we are sensing some form of sabotage.

    “There was a sub-committee that the joint committee formed and developed a guideline, and submitted it to the joint committee, which it accepted and as we speak, this matter has been delayed for almost eight months, and we cannot continue like this.”

  • We won’t allow Majority to delay passage of anti-LGBTQ bill – Minority

    We won’t allow Majority to delay passage of anti-LGBTQ bill – Minority

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament has issued a stern warning, stating that it will not tolerate any further attempts to delay the approval of the bill on the promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values, commonly known as the anti-gay bill.

    The warning comes in response to Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s motion last week, calling for a second consideration of the bill. Afenyo-Markin’s proposed amendment sought to replace imprisonment with community service.

    As a result, the House was compelled to continue amending approximately thirteen clauses in the bill on Wednesday, February 21.

    Minority Chief Whip Governs Agbodza has urged Afenyo-Markin to conclude any necessary consultations regarding his proposed amendments before Wednesday.

    He cautioned that the Minority would not tolerate any actions perceived as prolonging the process beyond that date.

    “We should also be clear in our minds that we will not unduly always find a reason to postpone the progress of this bill to another day. Because, as we said the other day, everything that he [Afenyo-Markin] has raised in his proposal, he took about an hour here speaking about it, but he keeps giving reasons why we cannot deal with it. So we are giving him ample time to do the consultation because there will be no more filibustering after Wednesday.”

  • Ghana will be better off with your resignation, Bawumia’s, than a reshuffle – Minority to Akufo-Addo

    Ghana will be better off with your resignation, Bawumia’s, than a reshuffle – Minority to Akufo-Addo

    Minority in Parliament has asserted that President Akufo-Addo’s resignation would serve Ghana better than his recent ministerial reshuffle.

    Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, argues that Akufo-Addo stepping down presents the most effective way to alleviate the suffering and hardship experienced by Ghanaians.

    In a notable ministerial reshuffle unveiled on February 14, President Akufo-Addo relieved Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta of his duties, affecting 13 current ministers, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers.

    In a statement released on the same day, Dr. Forson conveyed the NDC Minority’s belief that the most effective solution to address the hardships of Ghanaians would be for both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Bawumia to resign.

    “The NDC Minority believes that the best way to end the suffering and hardships of Ghanaians would have been for both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Bawumia to resign.”


    The Minority Leader remarked that President Akufo-Addo consistently displayed stubbornness and defiance whenever the topic of a reshuffle was broached for discussion.

    “For example, he rebuffed nearly 100 NPP Members of Parliament who demanded the immediate resignation of outgoing Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta,” he added.

  • Reshuffling won’t benefit Ghana but your resignation will – Minority to Akufo-Addo

    Reshuffling won’t benefit Ghana but your resignation will – Minority to Akufo-Addo

    The Minority in Parliament (MP) has asserted that the resignation of President Akufo-Addo would bring more benefits to Ghana than his recent ministerial reshuffle.

    According to Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson, Akufo-Addo stepping down is the most effective way to alleviate the suffering and hardship experienced by Ghanaians.

    In a substantial ministerial reshuffle disclosed on February 14, President Akufo-Addo removed Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta from his position, affecting 13 current ministers, including 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers.

    Dr. Forson, in a statement on the same day, expressed the NDC Minority’s belief that the optimal solution to address the suffering and hardships of Ghanaians would be for both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Bawumia to resign.

    “The NDC Minority believes that the best way to end the suffering and hardships of Ghanaians would have been for both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Bawumia to resign.”

    The Minority Leader highlighted President Akufo-Addo’s obstinacy and defiance during discussions on the reshuffle, citing his rejection of nearly 100 NPP Members of Parliament who demanded the immediate resignation of outgoing Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    “For example, he rebuffed nearly 100 NPP Members of Parliament who demanded the immediate resignation of outgoing Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta,” he added.

  • Your ministerial reshuffle will not end hardship in Ghana – Minority to Akufo-Addo

    Your ministerial reshuffle will not end hardship in Ghana – Minority to Akufo-Addo

    The recent ministerial reshuffle by President Akufo-Addo has faced staunch criticism from the Minority in Parliament, with accusations of being uninspiring and lacking substance.

    In a released statement, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson described the reshuffle as nothing more than a “mere remix of the Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia’s failed government.”

    Expressing skepticism, Dr. Forson asserted that the reshuffle, occurring just nine months before the government’s departure, would not alleviate the suffering caused by what he labeled as bad governance and rampant corruption within the Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia administration.

    He questioned the potential impact of the newly appointed officials in the remaining nine months, highlighting economic challenges and alleged mismanagement by Alhaji Bawumia and his economic team.

    Dr. Forson stated, “It is also a little too late, coming barely nine (9) months before the exit of the government. Neither will it solve the suffering and hardships confronting the people of Ghana as a result of the bad governance and massive uncontrolled corruption of the Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia’s government.”

    The Minority further criticized the government’s track record, citing excessive borrowing, unsustainable debt, economic crises, high tax appetite, poor governance, wasteful expenditures, and alleged siphoning of state resources into private pockets.

    Dr. Forson concluded by expressing the belief that President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Bawumia should resign to truly address the hardships faced by Ghanaians.

    “The tenure of this government has been characterised by excessive borrowing, unsustainable debt, an economic crisis, high appetite for taxes, poor governance, reckless wasteful expenditures, siphoning of state resources into private pockets of government appointees, as well as state capture by family and friends of the President and
    his Vice.”

    “For the records, President Akufo-Addo has at all material times remained obstinate and defiant when the subject of reshuffle came up for discussion. For example, he rebuffed nearly 100 NPP Members of Parliament who demanded the immediate resignation of outgoing Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta,” he stated.

    “The NDC Minority believes that the best way to end the suffering and hardships of Ghanaians would have been for both President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Alhaji Bawumia to resign,” he added.

  • Your reshuffle will not miraculously solve Ghanaians’ suffering and uncontrolled corruption – Minority tells Akufo-Addo

    Your reshuffle will not miraculously solve Ghanaians’ suffering and uncontrolled corruption – Minority tells Akufo-Addo

    The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized President Akufo-Addo’s recent ministerial reshuffle, describing it as uninspiring and long overdue.

    Members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that the reshuffle fails to effectively tackle the current economic challenges facing the nation.

    In a press release issued by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, they condemned the President’s governance approach, expressing doubt that the reshuffle would address the deep-rooted economic difficulties associated with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his Economic Management Team.

    “It is also too little too late, coming barely nine (9) months to the exit of the government. Neither will it solve the suffering and hardships confronting the people of Ghana as a result of the bad governance and massive uncontrolled corruption of the Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia’s government.”

    “These injury time reserves, who have been on the bench for more than seven years without warm-up, cannot make any meaningful impact in the remaining nine (9) months to salvage the sinking ship and the massive economic mess created by Alhaji Bawumia and his economic mismanagement team.”

    The Minority further highlighted that President Akufo-Addo’s administration has been characterized by extravagant spending and the depletion of state resources.

    “The tenure of this government has been characterised by excessive borrowing, unsustainable debt, an economic crisis, high appetite for taxes, poor governance, reckless and wasteful expenditures, siphoning of state resources into private pockets of government appointees, as well as state capture by family and friends of the President and his Vice.”

    After facing public pressure for months, President Akufo-Addo has made adjustments to his government.

    These changes come a month after the resignations of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who stepped down to focus on their political campaigns.

    In line with the 1992 Constitution, the President officially informed the Speaker of Parliament about the new composition of the government on Tuesday, February 7.

    Several new individuals have been appointed to ministerial positions, while others have been reshuffled to different ministries.

    MINORITY-STATEMENT-ON-MINISTERIAL-RESCHUFLLE-Download
    Reshuffle-list-1-1Download
  • Don’t wait till 2025, support our private member’s bill to remove harsh taxes – Minority to Bawumia

    Don’t wait till 2025, support our private member’s bill to remove harsh taxes – Minority to Bawumia

    Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has stated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legislators will push for the removal of some nuisance taxes through a private member’s bill.

    This decision comes after Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia pledged to abolish several taxes, including the electronic transactions levy, emissions tax, and the proposed 15 percent Value Added Tax on electricity.

    Dr. Forson expressed that if Dr. Bawumia is sincere about his intentions, the NPP MPs will support the private member’s bill when it is introduced on the floor of Parliament.

    Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on February 13, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson argued that the majority’s position on the matter will confirm whether or not the NPP flagbearer was honest about his intentions to abolish certain taxes.

    “All the taxes that we have opposed, we will make an attempt to get the government to remove them.

    “In fact, now that the Vice President himself has come to confirm to us that they don’t want the taxes, we have already said on the floor, he is only copying what the NDC is saying.

    “I have said on the floor and the hansard will bear me out that the next NDC government will remove this [taxes]. I have said this. I am the first person,” he said.

    When asked why he would not wait for the next NDC to remove these taxes, the Minority leader said “Why should we wait? Ghanaians are struggling.

    “The only reason why this tax is still effective and your good self and my good self and the ordinary Ghanaian is paying this tax is that the NDC is not in office.”

    Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that the NDC is more concerned about the welfare of the populace than the governing party. Therefore, if they were to win office, they would prioritize scrapping all taxes that have overburdened the population in their first few months in office.

    “In fact, if the NDC is in office and if Ghanaians vote for us, by December, our first budget before Easter, we will remove all these taxes. But now we are not in office. This is a government that is in office; they have said that they will remove it in 2025. To show good faith to the people of Ghana, we urge them to come and remove it.”

    “We have to compel them and that is what it is. We have to compel them to remove these taxes because it is not easy,” he added.

  • Minority plans to bring home remains of late Dr Mustapha Ahmed

    Minority plans to bring home remains of late Dr Mustapha Ahmed

    Parliament is collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the repatriation of the late Dr Mustapha Ahmed, a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, back to Ghana.

    Mr. Yussif Jajah Issaka, NDC MP for Ayawaso North, announced this on Thursday, stating that the aim is to ensure a dignified burial for Dr. Ahmed in accordance with Islamic customs.

    Dr. Ahmed had travelled to India for medical treatment for a back ailment but unfortunately passed away following a surgical procedure. His demise was confirmed on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. He was 63 years old.

    Mr. Issaka emphasised Parliament’s commitment to honouring the late MP with a fitting burial, acknowledging his significant contributions to Ghana’s political and economic landscape.

    These sentiments were echoed by Ms. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Second Deputy Minority Whip, who led a delegation of the Minority Caucus to convey condolences to the family on behalf of Speaker Alban Bagbin.

    Dr. Ahmed had served as the MP for Ayawaso East from 2001 to 2013 before being reassigned to Ayawaso North after the constituency was redrawn. Beyond his political career, he was a retired military officer, a dentist, and an estate developer.

    Notably, he also served as the Minister of Youth and Sports during former President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

    Dr Alhassan described his death as shocking, saying, “We don’t have a choice but to respect what the Almighty Allah wants.”

    He mentioned that arrangements were being made in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have the body repatriated either on Friday, February 9, or Saturday, February 10, 2024.

    Ms. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, representing Ada in Parliament, expressed her admiration for the late Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, describing him as a highly esteemed individual who left a lasting impact on Ghana’s political and social landscape.

    “We mourn with the family,” she said.

    He was survived by a wife and three children.

  • We won’t allow you take away another layer of integrity from Ghana’s election – Minority to EC over removal of indelible ink

    We won’t allow you take away another layer of integrity from Ghana’s election – Minority to EC over removal of indelible ink

    Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has criticized the Electoral Commission (EC)’s decision to abandon the use of indelible ink in the upcoming elections, citing significant risks for the country.

    Expressing grave concerns about the potential consequences of this decision, Dr. Ato Forson warned that it could lead to chaos at polling stations across the country. He urged for the decision to be reversed immediately.

    Addressing Parliament at the commencement of the fourth session of the eighth Parliament, Dr. Ato Forson stressed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs would vehemently oppose the EC’s move.

    He argued that the use of indelible ink is vital for ensuring the integrity of elections, as it provides a visible and transparent means of verifying voters in addition to biometric verification.

    The former Deputy Finance Minister emphasized that indelible ink has long been recognized as a reliable method for preventing multiple voting, as it clearly marks individuals who have already cast their ballots.

    Dr. Ato Forson stressed the importance of upholding established electoral practices to safeguard the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.

    “The EC claims that doing away with indelible ink in Ghana’s electoral process forms part of its measures to improve the electoral process and ensure a robust identification system.”

    “The truth of the matter is that the use of indelible ink in our electoral process does no harm to the conduct of free and fair elections in Ghana.”

    “In fact, indelible ink adds another layer to the integrity of elections by ensuring that voters are visibly, transparently, and physically verified in addition to biometric verification.”

    He has issued a firm warning to the Electoral Commission (EC), stating that they will not support any proposal to alter the scheduled date for the 2024 elections.

    Dr. Ato Forson, insisted that there are more urgent issues requiring the EC’s immediate attention than considering a change in the election date.

    According to him, the EC should prioritise the preparation of the 2024 election calendar and focus its efforts on addressing essential matters rather than diverting attention to what he termed as “unnecessary issues.”

    However, Dr. Ato Forson indicated that the Minority’s stance might be reconsidered if the EC undertakes substantial and meaningful reforms following the conclusion of the 2024 elections.

    “Rt. Hon. Speaker, again with general elections on the horizon, the Electoral Commission and those behind it have announced their intention to change the date for this year’s general election from December to November.”

    “Let me say it here and now that the NDC Minority Caucus in Parliament will not support any such change at this time.”

    “This is because there are more pertinent and pressing issues that require the immediate attention of the Electoral Commission than a change of date for general elections,” Dr Ato Forson said.

    MinorityLeader.Resumption.Feb_.2024-Revised-3-1Download
  • Minority worried over ‘extravagant expenditure’ as Presidency’s budget increases from GHC400m to GHC2bn

    Minority worried over ‘extravagant expenditure’ as Presidency’s budget increases from GHC400m to GHC2bn

    Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has raised concerns regarding the budget allocated to the Office of the President. His comments come in the wake of Parliament’s approval of GH₵2 billion for that office in the 2024 budget.

    Ato Forson specifically highlighted the capital expenditure of GH₵67 million at the Office of the President, expressing uncertainty about the specific items or purposes for which this amount is allocated.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, December 21, Dr. Forson stated, “How many cars are they buying to the extent that they have to budget 67 million Ghana cedis for capital expenditure?

    “Mr. Speaker, largely, this amount is for the purchase of cars. My concern is, is it because the election is approaching, and that is why the budget for the office of government machinery has increased from 1.4 billion to 2 billion,” he queried.

    Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, went on to question the significant increase in the budget for the Office of the President. He noted that the budget for the office has surged from approximately GH₵400 million to GH₵2 billion.

    Particularly, he raised concerns about the goods and services segment, which alone amounts to GH₵450.6 million.

    “What are they using this money for? Mr. Speaker, this is according to the budget statement before us. These are things that I believe this House must demand answers from the Office of the President.

    “Mr. Speaker, most of this expenditure is concentrated in the Chief of Staff’s office, particularly the Special Operations account. The details, as presented by the Office of the President in the document submitted to the Finance Committee, are something that should concern all of us,” Dr. Forson said.

    Ranking Member on the Finance Committee in Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has accused the Office of the President of engaging in reckless and irresponsible expenditure following the approval of GH₵2 billion for the office in the 2024 budget. He specifically pointed out that the Chief of Staff’s office, the Press Office, and the Cabinet Secretariat under the Office of the President were identified by the Finance Committee for overspending their budget.

    Adongo raised questions about the source of the additional funds spent by the Office and urged them to demonstrate leadership by avoiding overspending.

  • Eliminating the use of indelible ink during election is unconstitutional – Minority to EC

    Eliminating the use of indelible ink during election is unconstitutional – Minority to EC

    The Minority caucus in Parliament has alleged that the Electoral Commission (EC) is violating the constitution by discarding the use of indelible ink in upcoming elections.

    This accusation comes in response to the EC’s announcement of plans to eliminate the use of indelible ink, a traditional method applied to voters’ fingers to prevent multiple voting.

    The EC, led by Chairperson Jean Mensa, intends to replace indelible ink with more “modern” verification methods in district-level elections and subsequent polls, aiming to enhance the electoral process.

    However, during a debate on the budget estimate for the EC in the coming year, the First Deputy Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor, argued that the EC’s action goes against the regulations passed by Parliament for the effective performance of its functions.

    “The issue of the non-use of the indelible ink breaches the law…Mr Speaker, you cannot come to Parliament with an instrument where protocols have been outlined and you as an administrative fiat decide that you won’t go according to the protocol.

    “The use of indelible ink is part of the regulations that we put in the instrument for the effective performance of the Electoral Commissioner so, you cannot decide that you would not apply it. She must do things that will help her perform effectively.”

  • “You go explain tire” – Minority mocks ‘defensive’ Annoh-Dompreh amidst ‘dumsor’ in Parliament

    “You go explain tire” – Minority mocks ‘defensive’ Annoh-Dompreh amidst ‘dumsor’ in Parliament

    Parliament faced intermittent power outages during its session today.

    The lights went out while Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, was addressing the House.

    The incident led to mockery from the Minority side, prompting criticism from Annoh-Dompreh, who expressed displeasure at the Minority’s reaction.

    He noted that the current erratic power supply is not comparable to what was experienced under the Mahama-led administration.

    “What’s your problem? This is better than what we experienced under you. You should know this. Sam George, you should know this. This is far better than what we endured under your tenure,” he said.

    Despite Frank Annoh-Dompreh’s comments, the Minority continued to mock the Majority, with an MP shouting, “You go explain tire,” implying that no amount of explanation can erase the fact that “dumsor” (erratic power supply) has returned under the Akufo-Addo-led government.

    A few minutes later, Parliament was once again illuminated. The cause of the power restoration remains unclear, whether it was due to power being restored or a backup generator being activated.

    Staff of the Ghana Grid Company, GRIDCo are threatening the return of incessant power cuts, popularly known as dumsor, which plagued the country some years back.

    This is due to the failure of the government to settle some arrears of industry players.

    In a statement registering their displeasure over the situation, the aggrieved staff noted that there will be a return of ‘dumsor’ this Christmas if the financial status of the company is not improved with immediate effect.

    “The main cause of the poor cash flow situation is because the Cash Waterfall Mechanism which is used as the mode of payment to the industry players within the sector is not working and is suspected to have been discontinued,” they stated.

    In the statement issued by the Senior Staff Association’s National Chairman and addressed to the Minister of Energy, the Board Chairman, and the Chief Executive of GRIDCo, the staff are pointing accusing fingers at ECG for their refusal to pay, in full, for the services rendered to them by the company. 

    They explain that GRIDCo bills ECG – their major customer – over GH₵100 million per month, out of which only about 18% to 25% is paid, and in an irregular manner.

  • Suspend controversial 10-year contract between Finance Ministry and SML – Minority

    Suspend controversial 10-year contract between Finance Ministry and SML – Minority

    The Minority caucus in Parliament is urging the immediate suspension of a 10-year contract between the Finance Ministry and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) for revenue assurance services.

    Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, John Jinapor, characterized the contract as a “rip-off” and a “burden on taxpayers” designed to enrich “greedy politicians.”

    He has called for its suspension until a probe by the minority caucus can investigate potential mismanagement.

    “We do not believe that there is value for money, this contract is a rip-off, this contract only ends up filling the pockets of greedy politicians and individuals.

    “We cannot allow the taxpayer to be burdened with such unnecessary contracts that only go a long way to fill the pockets of individuals, so we would advise, that immediately that contract should be suspended pending a parliamentary investigation. When we go into it and find out that all those allegations are true, we will ensure that this contract is abrogated.”

    Mr. Jinapor also expressed concerns about a possible delay in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to Ghana’s failure to service its external debts.

    There are reports indicating that the IMF board meeting to consider the second tranche of a crucial $3 billion credit facility has been postponed until January 11, 2024. Jinapor cautioned that this delay could seriously jeopardize the hard-won economic gains that the government has achieved.

  • GHC33m allocated to Legal Aid Commission not sufficient – Minority

    GHC33m allocated to Legal Aid Commission not sufficient – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has criticized the allocation of GH₵33 million to the Legal Aid Commission, deeming it woefully inadequate.

    The Legal Aid Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to justice by serving as a public defender for individuals unable to afford the costs of litigation.

    The commission has faced longstanding issues of underfunding, leading to challenges in attracting legal practitioners from the private sector due to poor working conditions.

    The Minority Spokesperson on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Bernard Ahiafor, emphasized that if the government is not serious about adequately resourcing the commission, it should consider closing the institution.

     “Mr. Speaker if we want Legal Aid as an autonomous body being established by an act of parliament then with all due respect as a country we need to pay some attention to this particular institution. If we don’t want the Legal Aid Commission to exist, let us abolish it so that we know we do not have legal aid.

    “To establish it with responsibility to go down to the districts, regional, not only at national with this kind of budgetary allocation, Mr. Speaker, legal aid commission is not an individual to be given a CAPEX budgetary allocation of 3 million. Goods and services to be 3 million.

    “Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the legal aid, I am on my knee that the way and manner additional resources are provided for other institutions, we have to do the same for legal aid if we really want legal aid to perform its duties and responsibilities,” he said.

    MP for Bia East, Richard Acheampong, has argued that the low budgetary allocation to the Legal Aid Commission has led to a lack of interest from qualified lawyers to join the commission.

    This, according to him, has resulted in large portions of the country being left without the services of the Legal Aid Commission. The inadequacy of funding and limited recruitment of skilled lawyers have hindered the commission’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

    “Together with the Attorney General’s office, many seasoned lawyers don’t want to work there because their conditions of service are very bad. And we’re pretending as if our state institution – so if you talk to somebody, ‘oh go to legal aid’, what is there?’ they can’t do anything for you.

    “They don’t even have vehicles to traverse the length and breadth of this country in order to even support our people who are in need. Let’s put all the northern zone together; Savannah, Upper East, Northern Region and the rest, we have a lot of people who have cases because of financial constraints they can’t go to the court for a proper adjudication.

    “And this system is not there to support these people and they can’t also travel to the south to access such facilities. So Mr. Speaker let’s be frank to ourselves and do what is right. Let’s put our money where our mouth is,” he lamented.

    Despite the expressed concerns about the inadequacy of funds for the Legal Aid Commission, the House went ahead to approve 33 million cedis for the commission.

  • Govt plans to throw away GH₵7bn through tax waivers to cronies – Minority

    Govt plans to throw away GH₵7bn through tax waivers to cronies – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of attempting to provide a substantial GHC7 billion in tax waivers to individuals connected to the trade industry.

    This revelation comes amid an existing GHC5 billion tax waiver request already before the Finance Committee, presented as incentive packages for the One District One Factory (1D1F) policy.

    During a press briefing in Accra, the Ranking Member on the Trade and Industry Committee, Yussif Sulemana, stated that the Minority would vehemently oppose any effort to impose additional regressive taxes on Ghanaians if the government does not eliminate these significant tax waivers.

    “The 2024 budget alone is imposing taxes to the tune of GHS11 billion. The unfortunate thing is that while we are taxing the poor Ghanaians to raise this revenue, we are also at the same time granting tax waivers to friends and family members. For instance, we have about GHS5.5 billion tax exemptions waiting at the finance committee.

    “We have also been reliably informed, and we are speaking because we have seen documents that suggest that they’re bringing another GHS7 billion tax waiver request to parliament. Now, if you put the two together, we are talking about GHS12.5 billion tax exemptions.”

    “Here you are wanting to grant GHS12.5 billion to your friends and family members in the name of tax exemptions under 1D1F. At the same time, you are imposing taxes to the tune of GHS11 billion. Can you juxtapose the two.

    “We think that it doesn’t make sense to us, and so we are saying that the tax bill that they are going to introduce in this particular budget will face some stiff opposition. We will not sit down and allow them to impose taxes on our people,” he stated.

  • The 4 NPP MPs who dared face Minority alone today over approval of 2024 budget

    The 4 NPP MPs who dared face Minority alone today over approval of 2024 budget

    As parliamentary proceedings resumed on Thursday, November 30, 2023, for another attempt to conclude the vote on approving the 2024 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, only four legislators from the Majority side were present in the House.

    Among them were key figures in the majority leadership, including Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensa-Bonsu, Deputy Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin, Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh, and Deputy Chief Whip Habib Iddrisu.

    The majority of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament were absent today after their side staged a walkout on Wednesday as the House voted on the 2024 economic and budget statement presented by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    The Minority on the other hand, had a substantial number of representatives.

    The House was scheduled to approve or reject the budget statement yesterday. Speaker Alban Bagbin held a voice vote, which caused tension between the two sides in the House.

    Per the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s remarks on the floor of Parliament, the “Yes” had it on the approval of the budget.

    “You are saying that you said you think the” yes” have it and left it at that. Which you normally do. But you went further to indicate firmly that the “yes” have it. “

    But the Speaker noted that he expressed his opinion about the “yes” likely having it.

    “Honourable members, I did not proceed to say the ‘yes’ have it,” the Speaker said.

    The Deputy Minority Leader then challenged the Speaker’s opinion and called for a headcount. The Speaker then called for a headcount vote.

    Following the Speaker’s comment, there was disarray in Parliament after a Minority MP called for the removal of John Kumah, Ken Agyapong, and two others, as they were not present at the time the motion for a headcount vote was posed.

    The Majority MPs continued to express dissatisfaction, and an agitated Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced the withdrawal of the Majority MPs from the chamber.

    “We are leaving the chamber for them. Now, do the head count and see if you have the numbers to overturn Mr. Speaker’s ruling,” he said before the NPP MPs left the chamber.

    Due to the lack of consensus on the matter, Speaker Alban Bagbin has indicated that the approval or otherwise of the 2024 economic and budget statement will be determined next week.

  • 2024 budget approval to hit a snug again as Minority remains unwavering

    2024 budget approval to hit a snug again as Minority remains unwavering

    The Minority in Parliament is poised to resist the approval of the 2024 budget once again today.

    During the presentation of the economic policy and budget statement by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on Wednesday, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin called for a voice vote, with the majority prevailing.

    However, the Minority, seeking greater transparency, opted for a headcount, prompting the Majority caucus to stage a walkout during the approval process.

    Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, addressing the media, emphasized that the fate of the 2024 budget still hangs in the balance, and they anticipate defeating its approval once more today.

    In contrast, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and the Majority in Parliament maintain that the 2024 budget was indeed passed after the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, declared the outcome of the voice vote. Despite the Minority’s stance that the budget and economic statement haven’t been passed, the Majority contends that due process was followed in the approval process.

    Addressing journalists after the walkout by the Majority, the Finance Minister said, “At the end of the day, the Speaker put it to vote twice, and he declared that the ‘ayes’ have it. That means the budget, in my view, has been passed. Later, there was a challenge, which has not been resolved. So far as I know and believe, we have the 2024 budget passed until such time that they resolve whatever they want to resolve.”

    The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who expressed fury about the Speaker’s actions, pointed out, “You were all there; you heard the Speaker loud and clear. Why should a Speaker beat such a hasty retreat from what he has said? In this case, he said the ‘ayes’ have it. Then you have the Speaker making a sudden U-turn that he didn’t add that the ‘ayes’ have it. He just expressed an opinion. And that’s most unfortunate. So, we think that the proper thing should be done.”

    “We agreed to the headcount; what was he waiting for? For about 30 minutes, he was not doing anything. What kind of attitude is this? That is why we left the chamber. Five MPs of the Minority were not here, so all that he was doing was to buy more time to enable them to find a way into the chamber.”

  • There is a deadlock on release of second tranche of $3bn IMF cash – Minority Leader

    There is a deadlock on release of second tranche of $3bn IMF cash – Minority Leader

    The Minority in Parliament has alleged a deadlock in Ghana’s negotiations for the second tranche of the $3 billion credit facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    According to the Minority Caucus, there is a disagreement between the government and the International Creditors’ Committee concerning the cut-off point for the external debt required in the debt restructuring exercise to secure the next tranche of $600 million from the IMF.

    Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson made this allegation in his concluding remarks during the 2024 budget debate in Parliament on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

    “Mr. Speaker, it will interest you to know that there is a deadlock in the negotiation between Ghana and the International Creditors Committee (ICC) made up of China and the Paris Club 50. There is a major disagreement on the cut-off point, regarding the external debt that must be excluded from the restructuring. Mr. Speaker, I do not need to sound the alarm that at this point, Ghana is between a rock and a hard place.”

    “Ghana will need to decide either to accept the cut-off date as proposed by the International Creditors Committee and get the IMF Board to approve our USD600 million second tranche or refuse to accept.”

    Dr. Forson explained that if Ghana accepts the International Creditors’ Committee (ICC) cut-off point, it would result in more debt being excluded from the debt restructuring. This would require the immediate inclusion of that debt in the budget for servicing.

    “The moment we begin the servicing of our external debt, everything in this budget will change,” he added.

    Ghana had previously secured a $3 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address challenges in its ailing economy, including high debt, inflation, and a depreciating cedi. The country had already received the first tranche of $600 million from the Bretton Woods Institutions. In October 2023, the IMF indicated that it was awaiting the outcome of Ghana’s engagement with its bilateral creditors before releasing the next tranche of the $3 billion bailout package.

  • Govt must engage stakeholders before attempting to pass import restrictions bill – Minority

    Govt must engage stakeholders before attempting to pass import restrictions bill – Minority

    The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns about the government’s apparent lack of stakeholder consultation regarding a proposed legislative instrument aimed at restricting the importation of certain strategic products into the country.

    The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has presented a bill to Parliament outlining the government’s intention to impose import restrictions on 22 specified commodities, including poultry, oils, margarine, beverages, paper products, insecticides, clothing, and automobiles.

    Tensions escalated in Parliament on Friday, November 24, 2023, as Trade and Industry Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond clashed with the Minority caucus over the attempt to introduce the legislative instrument.

    The Minority argued that the lack of prior notice and consultation amounted to an “ambush” on the House, leading to the prevention of the Trade Minister from submitting the legislative instrument.

    Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, stressed the importance of engaging all stakeholders, beyond political parties, in the decision-making process. He emphasized that the proposed restrictions could significantly impact businesses and consumers, underscoring the need for their input in shaping the policy.

    “So all that we are saying is let’s engage those concerned. It should not be an engagement between only the NPP and NDC. Let’s engage the people whose businesses are going to be impacted by the action that we are about to take in Parliament,” he said.

  • Minority criticizes imposing ban without ready substitutes for ‘Yemuadie,’ others

    Minority criticizes imposing ban without ready substitutes for ‘Yemuadie,’ others

    The Minority in Parliament is calling on the government to swiftly retract the legislation that imposes restrictions on the importation of rice, fruit juice, margarine, cement, fish, sugar, and 16 other designated “strategic products.”

    The Trade Minister, Kobina Tahir Hammond, has presented a bill in parliament seeking to ban the sale of specific products with the aim of supporting local industry.

    As per the proposed regulation, individuals seeking to import the specified products must obtain approval from the Trade Minister.

    Despite the intended goal of boosting local industry, Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson has criticized the regulation, deeming it a detrimental policy that requires immediate repeal.

    “We are urging the President to have a rethink because this is not a policy that we should encourage and they have to withdraw it,” he said.

    He said that this kind of policy is not supported by the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is obviously against WTO procedures, he said.

    In his view, the government cannot impose import restrictions on goods in situations where readily available alternatives exist.

    “If they had created domestic production for some of these items, I would have no issue. But clearly, we know they want to restrict sugar but we do not have a sugar processing plant. The one that Mr Mahama actually constructed, this government is refusing to open it so where is the sugar going to come from?

    “What they are seeking to do is to create businesses for their financiers,” he claimed.

    Additionally, he raised concerns that merchants who do not have connections to the New Patriotic Party might not be granted permission to import goods as a result of the development.

    Below are the list of 22 items considered for import restriction:

    Rice
    Guts, bladders and stomachs of animals
    Poultry
    Animal and Vegetable Oil
    Margarine
    Fruit Juices
    Soft Drink
    Mineral Water
    Noodles and Pasta
    Ceramic Tiles
    Corrugated Paper and Paper Board
    Mosquito Coil and Insecticides
    Soaps and Detergents
    Motor Cars
    Iron and Steel
    Cement
    Polymers (Plastics and Plastic Products)
    Fish
    Sugar
    Clothing and Apparel
    Biscuits
    Canned Tomatoes

  • Govt needs to revoke directive aiming to limit import of vital goods – Minority

    Govt needs to revoke directive aiming to limit import of vital goods – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament is urging President Akufo-Addo to promptly request the withdrawal of a regulation aimed at limiting the importation of essential items such as rice, fruit juice, margarine, cement, fish, sugar, and 16 other “strategic products.”

    The regulation, championed by Trade Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond, is designed with the aim of bolstering the cedi’s value and fostering the growth of domestic industries.

    As outlined in the proposed regulation, individuals intending to import the specified products would need authorization from the Trade Minister.

    Speaking to reporters on Thursday, November 22, the Minority Leader characterized the regulation as an unfavorable policy that should be withdrawn without delay.

    “We are urging the President to have a rethink because this is not a policy that we should encourage and they have to withdraw it,” he entreated.

    He pointed out that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) disapproves of such a policy, considering it a blatant violation of WTO practices.

    He referenced a comparable committee, the Justice Ollennu Committee, formed in 1967 to uncover corruption and malpractices associated with import licenses, and added that “the report was clear that the practice was outmoded and it cannot be continued because people use it for the purposes of rent-seeking.”

    According to the Minority Leader, limiting imports will worsen Ghanaians’ situation by increasing inflation in the nation.

    He contends that when there are readily available alternatives, the government cannot impose restrictions on the importation of goods.

    “If they had created domestic production for some of these items, I would have no issue. But clearly, we know they want to restrict sugar but we do not have a sugar processing plant. The one that Mr Mahama actually constructed, this government is refusing to open it so where is the sugar going to come from?

    “What they are seeking to do is to create businesses for their financiers,” he claimed.

    He also voiced concern that, in light of the development, merchants who do not have connections to the New Patriotic Party might not be granted permission to import goods.

    Find the full list of 22 items considered for import restriction below:

    1. Rice
    2. Guts, bladders and stomach of animals
    3. Poultry
    4. Animal and Vegetable Oil
    5. Margarine
    6. Fruit Juices
    7. Soft Drink
    8. Mineral Water
    9. Noodles and Pasta
    10. Ceramic Tiles
    11. Corrugated Paper and Paper Board
    12. Mosquito Coil and Insecticides
    13. Soaps and Detergents
    14. Motor Cars
    15. Iron and Steel
    16. Cement
    17. Polymers (Plastics and Plastic Products)
    18. Fish
    19. Sugar
    20. Clothing and Apparel
    21. Biscuits
    22. Canned Tomatoes
  • 47 companies have received GHC5.5bn worth of tax exemption from govt – Minority

    47 companies have received GHC5.5bn worth of tax exemption from govt – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament is alleging that the government has granted approximately GH¢5.5 billion in tax exemptions to companies affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under the One District One Factory initiative (1D1F).

    Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed specifics of a government request made to the Finance Committee, seeking approval for the provision of $449 million worth of tax exemptions to 47 companies.

    “This government has presented a number of memoranda through Parliament to the Finance Committee, of which 47 companies under One District One Factory, one is given tax exemptions worth $449 million equivalent to 5.5 billion Ghana cedis,” he claimed.

    According to him, the tax exemption cannot gain approval, and they have made the decision to vote against it if it is presented before the House. Notably, at the committee level, where the consideration of this specific request has been halted, the minority asserts that it is a fundamental condition for their support of the government in passing the budget during the upcoming debate.

    “Our position is we will never have a conversation on these new taxes until they have withdrawn all of these tax exemptions because it’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul. They’re asking you to pay these taxes. But in the end, they are taking your taxes and giving it to cronies of this administration,” he alleged.

    The Ajumako Enyan Esiam MP has pledged to disclose the names of the 47 companies currently under consideration in Parliament for tax exemptions.

    “So I can assure you that some of the companies they are giving exemptions to, they claim that they have items at the port and they will need to clear them for them to be able to finish their factory. We did background checks, and the items have already been cleared and the factory has already been completed. So it is a scam, the whole system is a scam. I call it the new kickback. That’s what I call it because you see what is going on under that tax exemption regime is something we need to give some public attention to. It is just not right.

    “Today, Ghana is struggling to raise $600 million from the IMF in the second review. The money is here. The money is in this economy, but you are giving tax exemptions worth $459 million dollars to ordinary businesses that are closer to the government. So what are we doing?” he asked.

  • $20M debts owed WAPCo must be settled immediately to avert possible ‘dumsor’ – Minority warns govt

    $20M debts owed WAPCo must be settled immediately to avert possible ‘dumsor’ – Minority warns govt

    The Minority in Parliament has urged the government to settle the $20 million debt owed to the West African Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to prevent a severe power crisis in the country.

    GRIDCo, in a statement on October 26, disclosed that a shortage of gas supply had resulted in a 550MW power supply deficit during peak hours, leading to power outages in certain regions.

    In an interview with the media, the MP for Bongo, Edward Bawa, attributed the ongoing power outages to the government’s outstanding debt of $20 million to WAPCo and suggested that the government should establish an arrangement with WAPCo to address the issue.

    He emphasized the need for the government to establish a working agreement with WAPCo to ensure that gas transmission from Obuasi to Tema continues.

    “Government must find a way or make an arrangement with as to how that can be paid. If WAPCO begins to have some comfort that government has kept in touch to do the payment, then, I believe that it will work.

    “Government must be working to see how they can give WAPCo some level of comfort to continue transmitting gas from Obuasi to Tema or else we are going to be in trouble. If the gas does not come, what it simply means is that the plants cannot run because they use fuel. And if they cannot run, you’d have that ‘dumsor’,’” he said.

    Failure to do so, he said, would result in significant challenges, as the power plants rely on gas to function.

    Mr Bawa expressed concerns that without the necessary gas supply, the nation might experience “dumsor,” or erratic power supply.

    Edward Bawa, a member of the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, provided insights into why WAPCo had to curtail gas supply due to the unpaid debt.

    He revealed that WAPCo had not received payment since January 2023, resulting in the accumulation of unpaid bills.

    The complexity of the situation arises from the fact that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) lacks the means to enter into agreements with power or gas utilities, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) serves as a guarantor for ECG.

    Consequently, ECG is responsible for paying WAPCo, but the cash flow mechanism, which used to allocate funds collected from power sales to the utilities, has been disrupted for almost 13 months.

    “Now the question you would ask is whose liability is it? It is true that if you look at ECG, they do not have a healthy access or guarantee to be able to always go into arrangements with power or gas utilities so GNPC stood in as a guarantee for ECG.

    “So ECG has to pay WAPCo but unfortunately because for almost 13 months now the cash waterfall mechanism where all the monies that ECG collects after selling power is put for it to be distributed among the utility mechanism is no longer working, ECG is unable to pay the liability,” he explained.

  • Majority in parliament calls for cross-party cooperation in rescuing National Investment Bank

    Majority in parliament calls for cross-party cooperation in rescuing National Investment Bank

    Majority in Parliament is calling on the Minority to refrain from politicizing issues concerning the National Investment Bank (NIB) and, instead, encourage the government to inject capital into the bank.

    The Minority in Parliament has been fervently advocating for substantial restructuring measures to rescue the struggling NIB from possible insolvency.

    There have been reports suggesting that the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) might acquire NIB, which currently grapples with liabilities surpassing GH¢2 billion.

    Addressing the press in Accra on Wednesday, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip, stated:

    “What the government should be encouraged and urged to do is to help in the recapitalization but not to run down the bank. So, our colleagues in the Minority should stop this politicization of all matters, especially matters related to the financial sector.”

    “If they don’t have the facts, they should just be patient, investigate, and get the facts before they come out.”

    Conversely, the Minority in Parliament has issued a warning of legal action against the government should it proceed with finalizing the acquisition deal involving the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and the National Investment Bank (NIB).

    Isaac Adongo, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, voiced these concerns during an interview on the Point Blank segment of Eyewitness News on Citi FM on September 29, 2023.

    He accused the government of harboring undisclosed motives behind the liquidation of NIB.

  • Put aside ego and consider the country in a state of emergency – Minority to govt over flood victims

    Put aside ego and consider the country in a state of emergency – Minority to govt over flood victims

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC), in opposition, has announced its intention to inquire about the government and the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) handling of what they describe as the inadequate management of the Akosombo Dam overflow and the subsequent flooding in areas within the Volta region and its neighboring regions.

    Addressing flood victims after distributing relief supplies on behalf of John Mahama, the NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, asserted that once the floodwaters subside and the affected individuals have received appropriate support, the party will initiate a series of actions to seek explanations.

    “I am not a scientist, I am not an engineer but I have very serious questions to ask because the Dam was not constructed yesterday and flooding, when water is flowing into the Lake, even if it is from Burkina Faso, it doesn’t flow to Volta region within 24 hours and so if we are doing our work well as s scientists, we should know that when there is heavy rainfall and water is entering the rivers that feed that Dam, we should know that within some one month or two months the effect could be calculated and preventive action should be taken.

    “This is not the first time the dam has been opened for water to spill. We must ask how come in all the previous years that we have had cause to spill water, the effects have not been this devastating? There are questions that we should ask. Let us chase away the cat at the appropriate time, we will have to tame the mouse. We will have to find answers to serious questions,” he said.

    He underscored the significance of implementing swift actions to avert future incidents of this nature in the country. Additionally, he expressed bewilderment at the government’s failure to declare a state of emergency, despite numerous recommendations.

    Nketiah suggested that if the government lacks the necessary resources to address the situation, it should “put aside its ego and reach out to the international community for urgent assistance.”

    “We have as a nation, found reason to go and donate to other countries that have found themselves in crisis like this.”

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: Apologize for divisive remark – Minority tells Akufo-Addo

    Akosombo Dam spillage: Apologize for divisive remark – Minority tells Akufo-Addo

    The Minority in Parliament has criticized President Akufo-Addo for his remarks made during a visit to the Volta Region following the damage caused by the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo dam.

    During his visit, President Akufo-Addo stated that he had come to express sympathy with the residents, regardless of their political affiliation, whether they voted for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) or not.

    Nevertheless, the Minority has expressed anger and disappointment over his comments, accusing him of insensitivity and divisiveness.

    The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has called on the President to apologize to the victims for his “ill-considered statement.”

    “It shows the government doesn’t really care that much about the people of Volta Region. On behalf of the people of Ghana, the National Democratic Congress Minority in Parliament wants to apologise to the people of the Volta Region for the statement made by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    “We consider that statement very unfortunate, and this statement should not come from the father of the land in times like this. It surprises us, and we are really disappointed in the statement coming from H.E. the President. We call on him to also apologise to the people of Volta Region, in particular for what he said,” he said.

    The General Secretary of the NDC, Meanwhile, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has also urged the government to provide compensation to the victims of the spillage.

    “We came here to offer relief items to you and ensure you are not left in want. We believe that all those affected will benefit from this. We believe that the Volta Region Authority should have notified us before the spillage.

    “In certain instances, the VRA should have carried out the spillage in a way that did not harm communities and livelihoods. What we expect from the government now is to compensate the impacted communities. Livelihoods, farms, and homes have been affected, and we call on the government to address the compensation for those affected,” Fifi Kwetey expressed.