By Daniel Bampoe
During proceedings on the floor of Parliament, Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, challenged remarks by the Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga that he said were beyond his mandate, stressing the constitutional and procedural roles of the Speaker in admitting statements to the House.
Speaking passionately, Annoh-Dompreh clarified that while he respects the authority of the Majority Leader, it is not within the Leader’s powers to prevent a statement from being made.
“It is Mr. Speaker that admits the statement… It is not in your mandate,” he emphasized, underscoring the separation of powers and procedures that guide the conduct of parliamentary business.
He highlighted that the issue arose during a Business Committee meeting, where statements had already been advertised, and some were raised under matters of urgent public importance.
The Minority Chief Whip further insisted that while the Majority Leader could offer guidance or priorities, he cannot unilaterally block Members from raising issues that have been properly scheduled and advertised.
Annoh-Dompreh’s intervention served as a reminder of parliamentary decorum and the limits of authority, reinforcing that all Members of Parliament have the right to participate fully in oversight and legislative debates under the rules of the House.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, raised concerns over ministerial non-availability, pending parliamentary questions, and procedural overreach by the Majority Leader.
His intervention highlighted longstanding frustrations among minority lawmakers regarding delays in responses to critical questions, procedural ambiguities, and adherence to the rules of Parliament.
Annoh-Dompreh expressed concern that only 14 parliamentary questions had been scheduled for the ensuing week—a number he described as insufficient given the volume of outstanding matters.
He specifically referenced questions he had filed to the Minister for Climate and Sustainable Development, noting that they had been pending for over three weeks despite passing through proper motions.
The MP stressed the economic importance of these questions, highlighting Ghana’s carbon credit agreements, including a previous deal with Switzerland that generated over $2 billion, and noted other opportunities with international partners such as the UAE.
He urged parliamentary leadership to ensure ministers make themselves available to respond to these questions, stressing that delayed responses hinder both oversight and the country’s economic prospects.
