BY Daniel Bampoe
Tensions escalated on the floor of the Parliament of Ghana as Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, issued a strong warning to the Majority Caucus, threatening to disrupt government business if a motion calling for a probe into the Gold-for-Reserves Scheme is not debated.
The warning comes weeks after the Minority formally tabled a motion demanding parliamentary scrutiny into the controversial policy, which involves the use of the gold reserves to stabilise the economy and support foreign exchange liquidity.
Despite its significance, the motion has yet to be admitted for debate, a delay the Minority describes as deliberate and unjustified.
Speaking during proceedings, Annoh-Dompreh accused the Majority leadership of offering what he termed as “flimsy excuses” to avoid debating the motion. He questioned why a matter of such national importance—one involving substantial public resources and potential financial implications—was being repeatedly sidelined.
“This is the Parliament of Ghana. The public is interested. Stakeholders are interested. What are we doing to ourselves?” he asked, expressing frustration over what he described as attempts to shield the issue from scrutiny.
He argued that if there is nothing to hide, the Majority should be willing to subject the matter to open debate for the benefit of transparency and accountability.
The Minority Chief Whip further stated that his side of the House had consistently demonstrated cooperation with the Majority, even in situations where the government lacked sufficient numbers to transact business.
According to him, the refusal to reciprocate that cooperation on a critical motion raises concerns about the Majority’s commitment to democratic principles and parliamentary oversight.
Annoh-Dompreh also aimed at the Majority Leader, accusing him of failing to honour a prior assurance that the motion would be taken.
He warned that history would judge the leadership of the House harshly if it is seen to have obstructed debate on issues involving potential financial losses to the state.
“The monies involved are huge. The losses are huge. This motion must be debated,” he stressed, insisting that Parliament has a duty to examine the matter thoroughly.
In a direct and uncompromising tone, he cautioned that the Minority would not allow normal parliamentary business to proceed if the motion continues to be ignored.
“Unless this motion is moved, government business will suffer,” he declared, adding that the Majority must mobilise its numbers and allow the debate to proceed.
The standoff reflects broader tensions between the Majority and Minority caucuses over parliamentary control, transparency, and the handling of sensitive economic policies.
The Gold-for-Reserves Scheme, in particular, has attracted public interest due to its implications for the financial stability and resource management.
