Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has expressed strong opposition to a proposal to adjourn parliamentary proceedings, urging that critical issues and pending questions be addressed before Parliament closes.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Annoh-Dompreh argued that the push to “draw the curtains” on business is premature and undermines the legislative process.
Addressing the Speaker directly, Annoh-Dompreh said, “The call by the Chair for us to draw the curtains doesn’t find favour with us. The reasons are not far-fetched.”
He emphasized that Parliament has roughly 13 days to finalize key preparations and warned that rushing proceedings could compromise the quality and effectiveness of lawmaking.
The Minority Whip also highlighted the ongoing Budget Estimate Hearings, which involve extensive stakeholder participation—a process being conducted for the first time. He cautioned that this new system could extend parliamentary business if not carefully managed.
“You are telling us to reset our mindset and talk about a 24-hour economy, yet you want to curtail the work on motions and questions that have been pending for months,” he stated.
Annoh-Dompreh expressed concern about over 200 unanswered questions that have “gathered dust on the shelves,” calling for accountability from ministers, including the Minister of Roads.
He argued that Parliament’s role in holding government officials to account should not be curtailed in favor of expediency.
“The Road Minister must answer. All the motions we have listed must be taken. We will not go home,” he stressed, underscoring the Minority’s commitment to oversight and legislative scrutiny.
He further criticized the Majority for what he described as political posturing, contrasting it with fatigue and inaction.
“When the Majority Leader was at the dispatch box, there was a lot of propaganda. Now you see you are tired. After all that, you want to go home? No. We are opposed,” Annoh-Dompreh declared.
The statement comes amid broader debates about parliamentary efficiency and the government’s push for a “24-hour economy,” a policy initiative aimed at boosting economic productivity through extended business hours and continuous operations.
Opposition lawmakers have consistently warned that the government’s legislative schedule must prioritize proper scrutiny and accountability over speed, particularly when handling budgetary, infrastructural, and policy matters.
