The initiative, he explained, would enable Parliament to build the knowledge and capacity of the Assemblies to effectively legislate by-laws, rules and regulations that guide their operations and strengthen local governance. 

Speaker Bagbin made the proposal during a book launch held at Parliament in Accra on Thursday.

He noted that while Parliament continued to play its constitutional role of lawmaking, oversight and representation, it was equally important to support the Assemblies to discharge their legislative functions at the local level. 

According to him, such a conference would foster collaboration, enhance institutional effectiveness, and ensure that by-laws passed by the Assemblies are consistent with national legislation and responsive to the needs of citizens. 

The Speaker emphasised that empowering the Assemblies through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building would deepen decentralisation and improve service delivery across the country. 

Mr Bagbin formally launched the two books authored by Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Esq., an astute lawyer and scholar in parliamentary processes.

The books are aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in parliamentary work and governance.

The books, “Parliamentary Language in Ghana: A Citizen’s Guide” and “Subsidiary Legislature in Ghana: Principles, Practice, and Procedure,” provide valuable insights into parliamentary processes and language.

Mr Bagbin remarked: “The language of Parliament is guided not only by laws and standing orders but also by expressions, traditions, and procedures that shape its relations and decisions.

He emphasised the importance of understanding parliamentary language, noting that it had its roots in Latin and was deeply connected to the history and traditions of parliamentary democracy.

He said, “Parliamentary language is not just English language… It’s about understanding the origins and meanings of words and concepts.”

The books are expected to contribute significantly to the intellectual foundation of Ghana’s constitutional order, promoting sound research, clarity of expression, and respect for constitutional values.

The books are expected to be a valuable resource for citizens, students, and practitioners seeking to understand Ghana’s parliamentary processes and promote good governance.

“These works demonstrate not only scholarship but also devotion to public service and nation-building,” Mr Bagbin said.

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This follows a report laid at the plenary by the Chairman of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Eric Afful, calling on Parliament to adopt the Committee’s report to review the Petroleum Act to maximise earnings and returns on petroleum revenues for investment purposes.   

The proposal for a review of the Act was made by Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on November 13, immediately after presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament.   

Mr. Afful explained that the review is expected to enhance investment returns on Ghana’s petroleum revenues, particularly the Petroleum Fund, by increasing interest yields from the current one per cent to about eight per cent interest. 

He emphasised that such a move would strengthen the country’s fiscal buffers and provide more resources for development projects.   

Dr. Forson, in his budget presentation, noted that the Investment Advisory Committee had advised government to revisit the provisions of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, to ensure that petroleum revenues are prudently managed and invested to generate higher returns.  

The Finance Minister stressed that the proposed amendments aligned with Ghana’s petroleum revenue management framework with international best practices, while safeguarding transparency and accountability in the use of petroleum funds.

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Minority Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh led the charge on the floor of Parliament, accusing the government of inconsistency and attempting to push through what he described as an “illegality”.

He argued that the same Majority that once rejected similar tax waivers under the previous NPP administration is now asking Parliament to approve another.

“I don’t know what you will be telling Ghanaians… Today we are being invited to be part of an illegality—something that they spoke against,” he said.

He also referenced the position of Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson to highlight a shift in principle:
“I recall how passionately the Honourable Ato Forson argued then. Today, he is speaking and choosing and veering off.”

According to him, the request should not even be before Parliament because the Income Tax Act, 2015, empowers the Commissioner-General of the GRA to handle such applications.

He maintained that the Minority stands firm in its opposition.

“Let the record reflect that the mighty Minority is opposed to this tax waiver,” he declared.

Frank Annoh-Dompreh emphasised the moral responsibility of lawmakers, saying, “I don’t know what justification you are going to give to Ghanaians who voted for you massively based on principle. Now you are shying away from the very principle by which you were voted into office. God will judge you.”

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The agreement will allow Tata to implement the ITAS to improve compliance, expand tax base, reduce leakages and enhance revenue from the digital economy.

Under the agreement, Tata will be granted a 20 per cent withholding tax on the income and value-added tax on imported services.

As part of broader reforms to address the limitations of GRA’s ability to deliver quality taxpayer services, track and enforce compliance effectively, and improve domestic revenue mobilisation, the authority signed an agreement with Tata for the implementation of the ITAS on May 24, 2024.

This was because the IMF had made ITAS a key structural benchmark under the ongoing Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme as it identified its implementation as essential for enhancing tax compliance, boosting revenue performance, and improving the business environment. 

The agreement, which was first initiated under the previous administration, was presented to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on November 13, 2025 and it was referred to the Finance Committee.

Justification for agreement 

Providing a justification of the agreement in Parliament on Tuesday, Dr Forson said the GRA signed the contract with Tata in May 2024

He said the procurement of the ITAS project initially commenced through a competitive bidding in January 2024. 

He, however, said that the process was cancelled towards its conclusion due to a transition between Commissioner General Dr Ammish Owusu-Amoah, and Commissioner General Julie Essiam. 

When Commissioner General Essiam took office, he said, the new leadership of GRA awarded the contract on a sole sourcing basis, even though there was a running competitive sourcing. 

He said on November 4, 2024, an addendum was signed by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd and GRA, with Commissioner General Essiam signing on behalf of the GRA.

“The agreement says, subject to approval provided by Parliament of Ghana, Tata Consultancy Services is entitled to a 20 per cent withholding tax exemption from January 1, 2025, till the end date as set out under clause 4 of the agreement.

“Mr Speaker, it says that GRA shall be responsible and do all such acts required for obtaining such approval from Parliament. I am cleaning your [previous administration] mess,’ Dr Forson said. 

Arguing that his principle and position on tax was still unwavering, Dr Forson said the agreement was signed by the previous administration imposing an obligation on the people of Ghana.

“So Mr Speaker, the GRA is entitled to ensure that 20 per cent withholding tax is given to Tata Consultancy Services.

“I have not signed this contract, and the new Commissioner General, Anthony Sarpong, never signed this contract,” he said.

Dr Forson said the only reason he was bringing the agreement to Parliament was because Tata Consultancy Services was a foreign company, and before the contract should have been signed, “they should have come to Parliament under article 1815.”

“Mr Speaker, they did not come to you under article 1815 of the Constitution, and I am here to make sure that the right thing is done, and I am cleaning your mess.

“Apart from that, the Ministry of Finance cannot sit at the office and approve this tax obligation.”

Reduction of project cost

Telling the House other actions he took to rectify the anomaly, Dr Forson said that because the process of competitive sourcing was truncated, he asked the Commissioner General of the GRA to further renegotiate the programme.

“In further renegotiating the programme, we were able to reduce the cost of software and related items from $25.3 million to $20 million, saving $5.3 million on one line alone.

“I also negotiated downward hardware and related items from $15 million to $13.7 million; overall, everything put together, we saved $9 million plus for re-negotiating this agreement,” he said.

Dr Forson explained that the reason why he re-negotiated the agreement was to ensure that it was well implemented, was to make it “legal and stay within the remit of the law”.

Expressing his belief that the software was good, Dr Forson said, “before I implement, I have to come and clean everything else that I believe was wrong and that includes seeking parliamentary approval and renegotiating it.”

Minority’s opposition 

Opposing the agreement, the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, said the Minority’s dissenting view was premised on principle. 

He recalled that last year, the now NDC Majority, then the Minority, kicked against about 47 tax exemptions put before the House. 

He said even at the point of bringing exemptions that were related to One-District-One-Factory with the intention of creating jobs for the youth were opposed by the NDC MPs.

“Today, we are being invited to be part of an illegality, something that they spoke against it,” he said.

He pointed out that the Income Tax Act, 2015, gave the Commissioner General of GRA some powers, a reason that the Tata tax waiver application should be made by the GRA boss.

“Do not bring it to this House especially knowing your track record and what you stood for,” he said.

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Speaking during the 2026 Budget debate, the Abura Asebu Kwama said the previous administration left behind a currency that had undergone severe collapse.

“Mr Speaker, the Ghanaian Cedi suffered a catastrophic collapse under the watch of our colleagues on the other side,” he stated.

He argued that the depreciation was not marginal but historic, and that by the time the former government exited office, the local currency had lost substantial value against major international currencies.

According to him, this level of currency weakness created ripple effects across the economy, affecting businesses, investors and ordinary citizens alike.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu revealed that some forex bureaus were selling the US dollar for GH¢17 when the Minority was leaving office.

“By the time they left office, you could buy a dollar at GH¢17 in some forex bureaus,” he said, describing the situation as clear evidence that the outgoing administration mismanaged the currency.

He emphasised that such a dramatic collapse could not be overlooked or rewritten in political debates, noting that exchange rate performance is a measurable indicator of economic health.

“Economic analysis relies on metrics that are not subject to interpretation or opinion,” he stressed, arguing that the Minority cannot escape responsibility for the currency’s depreciation.

The Minister concluded by urging the Minority to approach the budget debate with honesty about the condition in which they left the economy.

He said acknowledging the truth is essential for constructive economic decisions.

“The record speaks for itself, and they must accept the consequences of their own stewardship,” he noted.

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He made the declaration on Tuesday, November 18, during a meeting with the Christian Council of Ghana at Jubilee House.

“I believe that we have no questions or equivocations about what we believe. I believe that we are completely aligned with the Christian Council in terms of your belief. We agree with the Speaker to relay the bill and let Parliament debate it,” he said.

He added, “And if there are any amendments or adjustments that need to be made, if the people’s representatives in Parliament endorse the bill, vote on it, and pass it, and it comes to me as president, I will sign it.”

His remarks follow a ruling by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin on October 28, which clarified that the anti-LGBTQ bill expired with the dissolution of the 8th Parliament and therefore needs to be introduced afresh.

Following the Speaker’s declaration, ten lawmakers, including Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George and Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, have reintroduced it to the House as a private members’ bill.

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In a statement delivered on the floor of Parliament, Bagbin described the country’s political system as “toxic” in some aspects, contributing to governance challenges.

He noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) struggles with upholding democratic principles, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) faces difficulties demonstrating genuine patriotism.

He urged both parties to reflect on these shortcomings and take steps to strengthen their core values.

As Ghana’s longest-serving Member of Parliament and a two-time Speaker, Bagbin emphasized his commitment to speaking truth to power to improve governance structures.

He also contrasted his leadership approach with that of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, noting that Afenyo-Markin draws inspiration from him.

Bagbin pledged to continue efforts to enhance Parliament’s skills and capacity, aiming to cultivate a legislature capable of better serving the country.

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The initiative, introduced in partnership with NiBS University, will enable MPs and parliamentary staff to pursue studies up to the doctoral level.

Speaking at the launch in Parliament, Speaker Bagbin said the programme is intended to sharpen the minds of legislators and staff, equipping them to perform more effectively in their roles.

He acknowledged the significant progress Ghana’s Parliament has made on the international stage but stressed the need for continuous professional development to maintain high standards in legislative work.

The scholarship provides funding of over two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) for eligible participants pursuing advanced degrees.

Prof. Kwaku Atuahene-Gima, Founder and President of NiBS University, said the partnership will focus on delivering practical skills and knowledge that support the work of Parliament and enhance the capacity of its staff.

The initiative reflects a strong commitment to continuous learning and capacity building within Ghana’s legislative framework, with the goal of strengthening policymaking and governance.

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The assurance was given by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei at the opening of a post-budget workshop in Parliament on Friday.

Appiagyei, who spoke on behalf of the caucus, noted that while the Minority remains committed to productive debate, it will also insist on strict accountability from government.

“We will hold the government to account for every cedi approved,” she said, stressing that fiscal discipline and transparency are non-negotiable.

The three-day workshop brings together Members of Parliament, technocrats, and policy analysts ahead of next week’s formal debate on the budget. The session is designed to help MPs better understand the figures, policies, and economic assumptions contained in the statement presented on Thursday by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

Dr Forson’s budget, the first full-year financial plan under his tenure, has already generated significant public interest, especially around spending priorities and the government’s commitments under the IMF programme.

Patricia Appiagyei said the Minority will assess each proposal based on its impact on ordinary Ghanaians, adding that the caucus will back any measure that promotes economic stability, job creation, and responsible spending.

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Speaking during a caucus meeting on the 7th floor of Job 600 in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Afenyo-Markin said the greatest threat facing the caucus is not the Majority, but their own disunity.

“We are not here by accident. We are here by choice,” he said, reminding MPs of their obligation to represent the people of Ghana and serve as the voice of the voiceless. “But colleagues, I must speak plainly. That duty is suffering. Our people are suffering. And we are allowing our internal disagreements to become their burden.”

He argued that while the Majority remains focused on sidelining the Minority, NPP MPs are unknowingly making the work easier for the government by remaining divided and unfocused.

“The Majority sits across from us with one agenda: to suppress our views, to silence our expression, to render us irrelevant. And what are we doing? We are doing their work for them. We bicker. We backbite. We whisper in corridors instead of roaring in this chamber,” he lamented.

Calling for an end to the infighting, Afenyo-Markin urged members to prioritise unity above political ambition, stressing that disagreements are normal but must never compromise their shared responsibility.

“Yes, we will disagree on how to achieve our goals. Yes, NPP MPs will support different candidates for 2028. Yes, we will have competing visions. But we must never allow our internal disagreements to make the people of Ghana the collateral damage of our divisions.”

The Minority Leader also accused the ruling government of economic mismanagement, abuse of state institutions, and increasing public frustration, insisting that a united Minority is essential to confronting these challenges.

“Right now, as we sit divided, the government is running riot. They are mismanaging our economy. They are weaponising state institutions. They are persecuting our compatriots. But belief without action is betrayal,” he added.

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Addressing journalists on Friday, November 14, former Finance Minister and Karaga MP Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, said the document lacks depth and offers little beyond what he described as “cosmetic rhetoric” from a “crawling government.”

According to him, Ghana requires a more ambitious and realistic approach.

“Ghana needs a better budget that strengthens revenue realism, expands productive investment, protects fiscal credibility, and enables the private sector to lead job creation. We can therefore describe the 2026 budget, the Galamsey budget, as growthless, jobless, and minimalist,” he said.

He argued that the structure of the budget does not signal any real shift toward jobs, productivity, or long-term transformation.

“Investment levels remain low, revenue projections are overly optimistic, and borrowing pressures are high. Key fiscal risks are under-discussed. Flagship programmes lack transparency and clear budget commitment,” he noted.

Dr. Adam further cautioned that the government’s attempt to shrink expenditure in order to project discipline may backfire.

“The lower GDP base and revenue shortfalls mechanically raise the debt-to-GDP ratio, even if the cash deficit is narrow. Sustainability requires sustained growth and credible revenue mobilisation, not austerity that undermines both,” he explained.

The caucus also pointed to fiscal vulnerabilities they say the budget fails to confront, from uncovered government auctions and short-term debt instruments that attract little interest, to unquantified liabilities at state-owned enterprises outside cocoa and energy.

He added that climate and disaster-related risks have not been properly factored into the broader fiscal strategy.

“Without addressing these risks, fiscal stability could be short-lived. Policies without clear budget risk are becoming slogans rather than deliverable programmes,” he warned.

The Minority also challenged the government’s wider handling of the economy, arguing that the reality on the ground contradicts the official narrative. “The state of the economy cannot be as good as the minister wants us to believe. It is associated with empty pockets, vanishing customers, sophisticated investors avoiding government auctions, and ministries struggling to function due to lack of basic resources,” he said.

He stressed the need for a renewed policy direction. According to him, the country needs “genuine economic leadership rather than broken promises, real fiscal discipline rather than opportunistic austerity, and a government that delivers results rather than excuses.”

He concluded with a sharp assessment of the budget’s outlook: “What we need is economic transformation, which Ghanaians were promised. But what we see now is economic stagnation masquerading as progress. The 2026 budget does not offer the hope needed to take us out of this.”

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During the presentation, Dr Forson outlined key policy measures aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening critical sectors. A major highlight was the government’s decision to phase out the double-track system, which he said had disrupted academic calendars and negatively affected learning outcomes.

He explained that the reforms form part of a broader programme designed to ensure that every Ghanaian child attends school full-time with dignity and safety.

The Finance Minister also announced a new directive from the President mandating all public schools, from basic to tertiary, to procure only staple food items produced locally. The initiative, dubbed the “Buy Ghana, Eat Ghana” policy, seeks to create a sustainable market for local farmers, enhance food security, and boost domestic production.

The presentation was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asama, the Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority, the CEO of EXIM Bank, Sylvester Mensah, former Finance Minister Seth Terkper, former Trade Minister Ekow Spio-Garbrah, and the Special Envoy for Reparations, among others.

Adomonline’s photojournalist, Joseph Odotei, was in Parliament and captured these moments.

The presentation of the annual budget by the finance minister is a constitutional obligation, performed on behalf of the president to affirm the government’s commitment to fiscal transparency and responsibility.

Read the full budget statement below:

Mr. Agalga explained that the visit followed two statements made on the floor of Parliament by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh and Edem Agbana, which highlighted the urgent need for parliamentary intervention.

“We are here in pursuit of the Speaker’s directive that the Committee takes steps to look into the matter, whether in the form of a probe or investigation,” he stated.

He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has already set up a Board of Enquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mr. Agalga assured the victims that Parliament remains concerned about their welfare and is committed to ensuring accountability and implementing preventive measures.

Ranking Member of the Committee, Ntim Fordjour, expressed sympathy to the victims and their families while urging calm.

“We will look into this objectively and offer constructive recommendations for the way forward,” he said.

Mr. Fordjour called on the government to suspend all ongoing nationwide recruitment exercises until comprehensive safety protocols are implemented.

“In the best interest of safeguarding the lives of potential recruits, we are appealing to the government to halt or suspend all nationwide recruitment exercises until optimal safety measures are in place,” he added.

He also recommended adequate compensation for the families of those who lost their lives and urged that recovered victims deemed medically fit be given priority in future recruitment.

Mr. Fordjour reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to supporting the GAF and the Ministry of Defence in instituting effective measures to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.

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• Speaker Bagbin rejects claims of Executive control over Parliament

Responding to remarks by Asante-Akim Central MP, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, during Thursday’s debate on the Appointments Committee’s report on Chief Justice nominee Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Mr. Bagbin firmly stated that no executive authority dictates his conduct or decisions.

“The statement you just made is a very serious statement. As I sit here, there’s no executive that can control me,” the Speaker declared on Thursday, November 13.

Mr. Anyimadu-Antwi had alleged that the executive was exerting undue influence over both the legislature and the judiciary, claiming this explained the Minority’s walkout during the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie.

He also argued that ongoing court cases challenging the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo made it inappropriate for Parliament to continue the vetting process, asserting that the executive sought to “control Parliament and Ghana.”

In response, Mr. Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s independence, stressing that the House operates strictly within constitutional boundaries and remains free from executive manipulation.

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The group claims this follows a previous removal of GH¢11.3 million from the same account between February and April, a move they say has exacerbated financial strain on local assemblies and stalled key development projects nationwide.

Addressing journalists in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh condemned the alleged action as a “blatant disregard for the law” and called on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene immediately. He also demanded that the withdrawn funds be fully restored by Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

“On November 4, they paid. The Controller and Accountant General released it, and it went into the account of the District Assemblies Common Fund. Then, on November 11, they blocked the same payment. On November 12, they swept the account. The amount involved is some GH¢1.4 billion,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh stated.

Citing a Supreme Court ruling, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP stressed that DACF disbursements are constitutional obligations that cannot be altered or withheld by ministerial directives.

“The Minister of Finance and the Controller and Accountant General cannot direct or reassign these payments. As we speak, it is clear that the Finance Minister, together with the Controller, is micromanaging the funds of the DACF and redirecting these funds to wherever they so please,” he added.

The Minority insists the alleged diversion has deprived Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies of essential resources for local governance and development, calling for swift presidential action to restore transparency and accountability in the management of the Fund.

The DACF is under attack from this government….

— Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (@FAnnohDompreh) November 13, 2025

I am reliably informed by my 'trusted' sources within government that between the months of February, March & April ..The Controller & Accountant General swept 11.3M GH and 3.2M GH from the DACF illegally…
This illegal enterprise is becoming a regular feature…

— Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (@FAnnohDompreh) November 13, 2025

The Supreme Court in the Kpodo & Another v AG. Provided an authoritative interpretation regarding the DACF.
Third quarter payment has illegally and secretly been blocked & swept by the Controller & Accountant General.
Total amount involved is 1.4 Billion GH.
Exposed!@Joy997FM…

— Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh (@FAnnohDompreh) November 13, 2025

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Afenyo-Markin said that in politics, opponents often “test your temperament” to provoke reactions that shift focus from substantive national issues.

“Each and every day as we move about, people are testing. People will deliberately do things to see how Afenyo-Markin will react, like during the CJ nominee’s vetting,” he stated.

He explained that he had anticipated the Majority caucus’ strategy ahead of the vetting and mentally prepared himself not to fall into what he described as a “trap.”

“I knew what the other side was going to do and I had prepared myself for it. All they wanted to do was bait me, get me to react, so the process is disrupted,” he said.

Afenyo-Markin added that his approach was guided by a desire to highlight the challenges faced by former Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, during her tenure, emphasizing that political theatrics should not overshadow crucial judicial matters.

“I wanted Ghanaians to know the suffering and pain Justice Gertrude Torkornoo was pushed through,” he explained.

He also cautioned against reacting impulsively in parliamentary debates, noting that strategic provocations are often used to divert attention from pressing national issues.

“It is not every time or everything you become aggressive. Sometimes they do these things to divert attention when you raise an important national issue. So, when you are always quick to react, they get you,” he said.

The comments come after tense scenes at the Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, during the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, President John Mahama’s nominee for Chief Justice.

The tension escalated when Afenyo-Markin referred to the nominee as a “disputed nominee,” prompting the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, to object, calling the remark disrespectful and prejudicial. Following a temporary suspension of the sitting, the Minority caucus boycotted the remainder of the process, leaving only the Majority side to continue the vetting.

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Addressing the House on Tuesday, November 11, Mr. Bagbin said Parliament had reached a stage where firm measures were necessary to preserve its dignity and uphold democratic principles.

“I want to assure all of you that I will come back on this issue of decency, discipline and decorum. And this time, I’m coming with the hammer and not the gavel,” he cautioned.

His remarks followed a heated exchange between the Majority and Minority Leaders during the vetting of Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.

The confrontation erupted when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the nominee as a “disputed nominee.”

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga objected to the remark, describing it as inappropriate and potentially disrespectful to the Judiciary. However, Mr. Afenyo-Markin stood his ground, insisting that the Majority was attempting to suppress legitimate scrutiny.

Responding to the standoff, Speaker Bagbin stressed Parliament’s responsibility to maintain mutual respect among the arms of government.

“As Speaker, I wish to reaffirm Parliament’s unwavering respect for the Judiciary as a coequal arm of government under Article 125, Clause 1 of the 1992 Constitution, which vests the judicial power of Ghana in the Judiciary,” he declared.

He added, “The doctrine of separation of powers requires that all three arms of government relate to one another with mutual respect and restraint.”

Mr. Bagbin further directed the Appointments Committee to ensure that all future vettings are conducted with professionalism and “the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.”

Reiterating Parliament’s regard for the Judiciary, he said, “Honourable Members, on your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of Parliament’s continued respect for the Judiciary and its team members.”

He concluded by reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Judiciary in the interest of the Ghanaian people and the protection of constitutional democracy.

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In his submission to the Speaker, Mr. Ayariga alleged that the Minority Leader participated in proceedings of the ECOWAS Parliament without official authorization or delegation from the Ghanaian Parliament. He argued that this action breached parliamentary procedure and amounted to contempt of Parliament.

“The conduct of the Honourable Minority Leader, in attending and speaking at the ECOWAS Parliament when he had not been duly delegated by this House, is unacceptable and must not go unexamined,” Mr. Ayariga stated.

He urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to refer Mr. Afenyo-Markin to the Privileges Committee for investigation and, if found culpable, to recommend appropriate sanctions.

Members on the minority side have mounted a strong defense, contending that Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s status as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament remains valid and that he continues to serve as a permanent member of the body.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Speaker Bagbin assured Parliament that he will deliver his ruling on Wednesday, November 12, on whether to refer the matter to the Privileges Committee for further action.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has formally apologised to members of the judiciary who witnessed a tense exchange between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga during the vetting of President Mahama’s Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, on Tuesday.

The disagreement, arising from sharp political differences, led the Minority to stage a walkout from the proceedings.

Addressing Parliament, Speaker Bagbin reminded lawmakers of the need to maintain decorum and discipline during plenary and committee sessions.

“Honourable members, the standing orders require us to maintain order and decorum in the House and in committee, and to refrain from offensive, insulting, or unbecoming language,” he said.

He further cited Order 123, Rule 3, which cautions members against imputing improper motives or using language that is disrespectful or likely to offend.

The confrontation began when Mr. Afenyo-Markin described Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee.” Mr. Ayariga immediately challenged the remark, describing it as politically charged and inappropriate. In response, the Minority Leader accused the Majority of attempting to suppress legitimate parliamentary scrutiny.

Observers note that the tension was partly influenced by campaign rhetoric from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections, which suggested that Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo would be replaced—a prediction now realised under the Mahama administration.

Reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to institutional harmony, Speaker Bagbin cited Article 125(1) of the 1992 Constitution, highlighting the judiciary’s independence. He stressed that the executive, legislature, and judiciary must operate “with mutual respect and restraint.”

He also directed the Appointments Committee leadership to ensure that future vetting sessions uphold “the highest standards of civility, objectivity, and institutional respect.”

Concluding, Speaker Bagbin stated:

“On your behalf, I extend our deepest apologies and assurances of continued paramount respect for the judiciary and its esteemed members.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Boamah said the Committee successfully fulfilled its oversight mandate despite some controversy surrounding the process. He wrote:

“On Monday, 10th November 2025, the Appointments Committee fulfilled its oversight mandate by vetting Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. May God grant us wisdom and strength as we work diligently for God and Country.”

He explained that the exercise was conducted in accordance with parliamentary procedure, even though members of the Minority staged a walkout, describing Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed nominee.”

The Minority’s protest did not stop proceedings, as the rest of the Committee continued with the vetting session at Parliament House in Accra.

During the session, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie faced questions on issues including judicial independence, transparency, and reforms within the judiciary.

On Monday, 10th November 2025, the Appointments Committee fulfilled its oversight mandate by vetting Chief Justice nominee, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. May God grant us wisdom and strength as we work diligently for God and Country.@parliament_gh pic.twitter.com/QhRTBfCgew

— Patrick Yaw Boamah (@pyboamah) November 11, 2025

Addressing a press conference shortly after the walkout, Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central and member of the Appointments Committee, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, said the Minority’s action was a protest against what it considers procedural unfairness and unresolved legal disputes surrounding the nomination process.

“I think it is the decision of the entire Minority that our point is well made. At the end of the day, on the matter of principle and what has transpired, there are matters pending — some before ECOWAS, some before other courts — and we have not exhausted them. We think that until those processes are concluded, it is not right for us to vet another Chief Justice,” he stated.

Mr. Anyimadu-Antwi clarified that the decision was not a personal attack on the nominee.

“Nobody has anything against Justice Baffoe-Bonnie personally, but on the matter of principle, we needed to abstain from this. Since we are going to vote against the process anyway, I don’t think we have to sit in and accommodate this give and take, especially when they have already made up their mind,” he explained.

He also criticised what he described as the Majority’s reluctance to ensure fairness in parliamentary proceedings, insisting that the walkout was a protest, not a boycott.

“They have their majority, and in a democracy, we say the minority will always have a say and the majority will have their way. But that is not what we are witnessing. Therefore, we opted out of the proceedings. It doesn’t mean we have boycotted the vetting; we only opposed the nomination on principle,” he said.

Responding to suggestions that the walkout was premeditated, Mr. Anyimadu-Antwi dismissed such claims as false.

“That’s not true. If that were the case, we could have just done the press conference and not even come here. We all agreed and had a meeting. Everyone had their questions ready to ask,” he clarified.

He added that the Minority had fully intended to participate in the vetting, describing it as a national duty that transcends political affiliations.

“He is going to be the Chief Justice of the whole nation, whether you are NPP or NDC, Majority or Minority. It is for all of us to make sure that we get the best for the country. But if they are not allowing us, we don’t see how we can continue,” he added.

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Speaking in an interview on JoyNews on Monday, Mr. Mercer described the appointment of a Chief Justice as a “political process” that must allow for open parliamentary debate.

He emphasized that Parliament is a House of record, and therefore, if the Minority has any position on the nominee, it is proper that it be captured in the records for posterity.

“Because there’s already a precedent since 1992, the Majority should allow the Minority to make their point. To want to prevent them from doing so, to seek to put impediments in their way, is what is dragging the process, and I don’t think that is helpful for the Ghanaian people who are spending precious man hours watching the vetting,” he said.

Mr. Mercer added that while the Majority may have the numbers to determine the final outcome, the essence of democracy is to ensure that every side is heard.

“So allow them to make their point; that is the beauty of democracy,” he remarked.

His comments follow a heated exchange between the Minority and Majority Leaders during the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, President John Dramani Mahama’s nominee for Chief Justice.

The disagreement arose after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accused the Majority side of acting in bad faith when Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga objected to his description of the nominee as a “disputed nominee.” Mr. Ayariga argued that the comment was inappropriate and politically charged.

In response, Mr. Afenyo-Markin defended his remark, insisting that the Majority was attempting to suppress legitimate parliamentary debate and accountability. He maintained that the Minority had every right to express its reservations about what it considers a politically influenced nomination.

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The vetting session began around 11:45 a.m., but was delayed after a heated exchange between the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

The disagreement arose when Afenyo-Markin referred to the nominee as a “disputed nominee,” accusing the Majority caucus of acting in bad faith during the vetting process. Ayariga objected, describing the remark as inappropriate and politically charged.

In response, Afenyo-Markin insisted that the Minority was exercising its right to hold Parliament accountable, arguing that expressing reservations about the nomination was legitimate and necessary, especially given concerns about political motivations behind the process.

The suspension allowed tempers to cool before proceedings resumed.

Watch the clip here

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The confrontation began when Mr. Ayariga objected to Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s attempt to deliver his opening remarks, arguing that the matter had already been addressed in Parliament through a previously filed motion.

Earlier in the session, Mr. Afenyo-Markin referred to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie as a “disputed Chief Justice nominee,” a comment that immediately drew objections from the Majority Leader.

According to Mr. Ayariga, the vetting committee was “not a courtroom proceeding,” and he demanded that the Minority Leader withdraw the statement and issue an apology.

In response, Mr. Afenyo-Markin accused Mr. Ayariga of “acting in bad faith” and attempting to suppress the Minority’s right to freely express their views during the exercise.

He further criticised the process that led to the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, describing it as “opaque,” a remark that again drew strong objection from the Majority Leader.

The heated exchanges highlighted the political tensions and partisan divides surrounding the vetting of the acting Chief Justice, reflecting the charged atmosphere in Parliament over the nomination process.

The vetting, scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m., was confirmed in an official notice issued by David Sebastian Damoah, Director of Media Relations at Parliament.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s nomination comes after the dismissal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who had served as Chief Justice since 2023.

During the session, Members of Parliament are expected to assess Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s legal experience, judicial philosophy, and proposed reforms for Ghana’s justice system before making a recommendation to the full House.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has rejected a motion filed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had called for the suspension of the vetting until court proceedings involving the former Chief Justice are concluded.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that proceeding with the vetting could interfere with the ongoing judicial matters and potentially breach constitutional and procedural principles.

However, the Speaker dismissed the motion, ruling that there was no legal or constitutional basis to halt parliamentary proceedings due to a pending court case. He warned that allowing such a move could set a dangerous precedent and undermine the independence and continuity of Parliament’s work.

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The MP’s comments, made on the floor of Parliament on Friday, November 7, 2025, came as the House faced increasing public scrutiny following an official report detailing rampant, unexcused absences by dozens of lawmakers.

Raising the issue during proceedings, Mr. Nurideen appealed directly to the Leader of Government Business to address the infrastructural failures in the multi-million dollar Job 600 facility, arguing that the stifling heat was a major deterrent to attendance.

“…For some time now, members of this House have put up complaints to the Majority Leader and the Leader of Government Business about the office air conditioners, and up till now, we have not seen any action from the Leader of Government Business.”

He linked the lack of functional air conditioning directly to the high rate of missed sittings, suggesting MPs have nowhere comfortable to work while waiting for proceedings.

“Some of these air conditioners not working have contributed to the members not coming to Parliament because if you come to Parliament and you do not have anywhere to sit in the Chamber, it makes it difficult for some of these Members of Parliament. I am pleading with the Leader of Government Business to, as a matter of urgency, look into it so that we will see how best the air conditioners can be fixed for members,” he stated.

Majority Leader Rejects ‘Air Conditioner Excuse’

The justification, however, was swiftly and sharply dismissed by the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, who insisted that the comfort level of the offices could not supersede MPs’ constitutional duty to represent their constituents.

“I agree with you that we need to urgently fix the air conditioners, but your challenges with the air conditioners cannot be grounds for not showing up. If you give that indication to the public, you are essentially telling civil servants that when the air conditioner in their offices is not working, they should also not go to work,” he retorted.

Mr. Ayariga’s rebuke highlighted the potential for the explanation to set a negative precedent across the public sector, where many workers operate in less comfortable conditions without abandoning their posts.

Who is Missing Sittings?

The fiery exchange follows the release of a damaging attendance report covering 43 sittings between January and March 2025.

The report revealed that numerous MPs missed sessions for extended periods without official leave, violating parliamentary standing orders.

The report listed some of the most frequent absentees during this three-month period:

According to Article 97(1)(c) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, an MP shall vacate his seat if he is absent, without the Speaker’s permission in writing, from fifteen sittings of a meeting of Parliament.

The debate leaves Parliament caught between the need for functional infrastructure and the constitutional obligation of its members to attend sessions, regardless of the temperature in their offices.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Delivering his ruling on Friday, the Speaker stated that there was neither a constitutional nor procedural foundation to justify halting the vetting process due to ongoing court proceedings.

“There is no constitutional or standing order basis for Parliament to halt the process simply because there are pending cases in court,” Speaker Bagbin said.
“Should I accept that argument, it would mean that any litigant could hold Parliament hostage by filing a case and freezing the work of Parliament and its committees. The motion is inadmissible and has been returned to the sponsor, the Minority Leader, Honourable Alexander Afenyo-Markin.”

The Speaker’s decision came after the Minority insisted that the vetting of Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, who is currently serving as Acting Chief Justice, should be paused until all legal actions filed by the former Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, are concluded.

Justice Baffoe-Bonnie is expected to appear before the Appointments Committee on Monday, November 10, for his vetting to become the substantive head of the Judiciary.

Despite this, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin declared on the floor that his side would not back any process that allows the vetting to proceed while court cases remain unresolved.

“We will not support a report, that business committee report that has an aspect that says that there is going to be vetting. He [Majority Leader] should take that off; he should withdraw that bit so that the original component of the business committee’s report remains without any vetting whatsoever on Monday,” he stated.

He further emphasized his caucus’s commitment to legal due process, saying:

“Mr Speaker, in any event, we, the Minority, as law-abiding as we are, filed a motion several days ago and have done several follow-ups. Mr. Speaker, our Minority should not be taken for granted. Awaiting all of this, the Majority Leader cannot just announce to us that Justice Araba Torkornoo’s prayer does not matter.”

“She is a Ghanaian who was appointed; she has submitted herself to all due process; her rights must be respected; we are not dealing with minds. That vetting will not happen; it will not happen. You must follow due process, follow the law,” Mr Afenyo-Markin added.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, he was responding to the recent violent attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force in the Ahafo Region.

“Let us, for once, agree on core national issues, stay away from partisan approaches, and deal with the galamsey menace. The fight against illegal mining requires collective action — it is not an NDC or NPP affair. Let us make it a Ghana affair,” he said.

The remarks came shortly after Speaker Alban Bagbin issued a formal communiqué on the incident, highlighting growing national concern over the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining operations.

Afenyo-Markin lamented that political expediency and electoral gains have consistently undermined efforts to curb galamsey, stressing that leaders across the political spectrum must now prioritise national interest over party loyalty.

“We have failed as active stakeholders and political leaders in this galamsey fight, and it’s getting worse,” he stated, noting that politicisation has weakened enforcement and emboldened perpetrators.

The incident involved a mob attack on NAIMOS operatives, including military personnel, during a lawful operation in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region. Reports indicate that the Members of Parliament for Asutifi North and South — Ebenezer Kwaku Addo and Collins Dauda — are under investigation for allegedly interfering with the task force and inciting the violence.

Illegal mining continues to devastate Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti, Eastern, and Western Regions, poisoning rivers with mercury and lead, destroying forests, and rendering agricultural lands infertile.

Despite government interventions, including the establishment of NAIMOS and the Ghana Gold Board Bill, enforcement remains inconsistent.

Afenyo-Markin’s appeal marked a call for unity, urging political actors, civil society groups, traditional authorities, and the media to collaborate in tackling galamsey. He warned that failure to act decisively could result in irreversible environmental degradation and social unrest.

In a Facebook post, Mr. Osei Nyarko described A Plus’ petition to Speaker Alban Bagbin as “dead on arrival,” emphasizing that the Speaker does not have the authority to remove a sitting MP from a parliamentary committee.

He explained that such decisions fall under the mandate of the Committee of Selection, which acts on recommendations from the leadership of the respective parliamentary caucuses.

“My colleague A Plus should take his time to learn the parliamentary rules and procedures properly. The Speaker has no powers to remove any Member of Parliament from a committee, not even the Leader of Government Business can do that,” Mr. Osei Nyarko stated.

He further advised that if A Plus believes the PAC Chairperson has acted inappropriately, he should consult the Standing Orders of Parliament and follow the appropriate disciplinary procedures, rather than appealing directly to the Speaker.

“But to call on the Speaker to remove her as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee is nothing but political bravado,” he added, urging A Plus to withdraw the petition to avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

A Plus, who recently entered Parliament, had petitioned the Speaker to remove Abena Osei-Asare, citing a conflict of interest due to her previous role as Deputy Minister of Finance.

His action has sparked discussions among political observers and MPs about the limits of the Speaker’s authority and the proper procedures governing parliamentary committees.

The PAC, chaired by the Atiwa East legislator, is central to ensuring accountability in public spending, making the debate over its leadership particularly significant.

Source: Adomonline

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The MPs accused of taking part in the assault are Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, and Collins Dauda, MP for Asutifi South.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, the Speaker expressed deep concern over the development, describing it as both disturbing and unacceptable, especially given that it involves legislators entrusted with upholding the rule of law.

“The report of an attack on a team from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, a task force established to combat illegal mining, is most worrying,” Bagbin said. “Even more troubling is the claim that the assault was incited by one of our own, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, who allegedly involved Honourable Collins Dauda in the matter.”

While noting that he was awaiting a detailed briefing, Speaker Bagbin condemned the incident in the strongest terms and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to justice and accountability.

“I wish to make it clear that I condemn, without reservation, the attack on the team of officers assigned to combat illegal mining,” he stated. “I have instructed the Office of the Clerk and the Legal Services Office to assist the Ghana Police Service in its investigations, in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament.”

His remarks follow growing public concern over political interference in Ghana’s long-running fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to destroy farmlands and pollute water bodies.

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, also weighed in on the matter, calling on lawmakers to set aside political affiliations and take a united stand in addressing the menace.

“Mr. Speaker, can we, as leaders, for once agree to abandon the partisan lens and confront this problem as a national priority?” he asked. “Our citizens must see that we are serious about protecting the environment and our shared future.”

He further cautioned that politicising the fight against illegal mining could have dire consequences for both the environment and Ghana’s democratic integrity.

“The fight against illegal mining should not be an NDC or NPP affair,” Afenyo-Markin warned. “We cannot ignore wrongdoing because of votes—such thinking only leads to destruction, not progress.”

Source: Adomonline

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In a letter dated November 3, 2025, A Plus argued that Abena Osei Asare’s continued leadership of the PAC constitutes a conflict of interest due to her previous role as Deputy Minister of Finance.

He maintained that her prior association with the Finance Ministry, particularly during the tenure of former Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, could undermine the committee’s credibility and independence.

“The Public Accounts Committee remains one of Parliament’s most critical tools for promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible financial governance,” A Plus stated. “It is deeply troubling that Hon. Abena Osei Asare, a former Deputy Minister of Finance, is now leading this vital oversight body.”

According to him, her leadership at a time he described as marked by “reckless borrowing, fiscal mismanagement, and questionable contracts” erodes public confidence in the committee’s work.

The Gomoa Central legislator also cited ongoing investigations into deals such as the Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) contract, the ECG–Beijing Jao Loss Reduction agreement, and the Service Ghana Auto Limited ambulance procurement — all currently under review by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

A Plus further accused the Atiwa East MP of shielding the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General, Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, when he declined to disclose his age, describing her actions as “a serious breach of the principles of transparency and accountability.”

He maintained that allowing someone directly involved in financial management to oversee government expenditure reviews is “morally unjustifiable.”

“Such an arrangement not only undermines the impartiality of the Public Accounts Committee but also weakens public faith in Parliament’s oversight function,” he added.

A Plus, therefore, urged the Speaker to act swiftly to replace her, arguing that her removal is necessary to preserve the integrity, neutrality, and moral authority of both the PAC and Parliament as a whole.

Source: Adomonline

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Mr. Bandim, who doubles as Bunkpurugu MP, speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, explained that the publication of the draft bill was part of the Ministry’s deliberate effort to promote public engagement.

“We are just starting the process, and somebody must drive through, which is the Communication Ministry.

“The Minister thinks that the best thing to do is to put the bill in its current form and allow public engagement,” he said.

“That is why when he said they have not been consulted and other persons on social media make such comments for a bill which is only beginning its consultation… The minister has deliberately put this information out there to allow public discourse, so if you have concerns, you can send your concerns for consideration.”

Mr Bandim, who leads the committee responsible for communication matters in Parliament, urged stakeholders and social media users to make their inputs rather than assume the bill has already been concluded.

He said the legislative process has only begun, and there is a long way to go before the bill becomes law.

“I am trying very hard not to discuss the content of the bill at this stage because this is just the beginning, and the bill has a long way to go before it is passed into law,” he noted.

“To start to discuss the content of it now, as the Chair, is not in the best interest.”

His comments followed concerns raised on the same programme by representatives of new media associations who complained that they had not been consulted in the process.

They argued that the draft bill appeared vague and could expose online content creators to harsh penalties.

Mr Bandim’s clarification, however, suggests that government’s decision to release the draft was intentional and meant to stimulate early engagement, allowing media professionals, content creators, and the general public to make their views known before the bill reaches Parliament.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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According to him, some Chairpersons intentionally schedule committee meetings at the same time as plenary sittings, making it difficult for the House to form a quorum and conduct business.

His remarks follow the release of a parliamentary attendance report covering 43 sittings between January and March 2025, which revealed that several MPs missed sittings for more than 20 days without official permission.

Addressing the issue on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Dafeamekpor said that despite repeated calls to review committee schedules, some Chairpersons continue to disregard directives.

“The records will bear me out that I drew the attention of the leadership of the committees to this matter. Mr. Speaker, we have discovered that some leaders of committees are arranging committee business in the afternoon when we have all agreed that committee business should be arranged in the morning, so that at 2 p.m., we will be ready to conduct business in the House,” he said.

He noted that the day’s Order Paper contained several committee meetings scheduled for the afternoon, contrary to the earlier agreement.

“Today’s Order Paper shows that there are advertised meetings of committees for the afternoon when we had encouraged them to shift those sittings to the morning so that we have adequate numbers in the afternoon to conduct business,” he added.

The Chief Whip therefore appealed to Committee Chairpersons to comply with the agreed schedule to ensure full participation of Members and the smooth running of parliamentary business.

A statement from the Parliamentary Service dated October 30, 2025, and signed by Director of Media Relations David Sebastian Damoah, said Mr Bagbin’s selection was based on his integrity, impartiality, and proven ability to foster trust among conflicting parties.

According to IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong, “We are confident that your leadership and experience will strengthen the work of the Taskforce in its mission to support diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.”

Mr Bagbin joins seven other parliamentarians on the Taskforce, which includes representatives from all six geopolitical groups within the IPU.

The Taskforce, created in March 2022 as an ad-hoc body, serves as a diplomatic channel for dialogue between legislators from Ukraine and the Russian Federation. Since its inception, it has held over a dozen meetings and undertook a mission to Kyiv and Moscow in July 2022. The group also facilitates semi-annual consultations with Ukrainian and Russian parliamentary delegations during IPU Assemblies.

As a member, Mr Bagbin will participate in key sessions during the IPU Assemblies, attend hearings, engage in bilateral discussions with Ukrainian and Russian officials, and take part in peace-focused dialogues with international leaders. The Taskforce is recognised as one of the few forums where lawmakers from both nations meet regularly to exchange views amidst the ongoing conflict.

The statement highlighted that Mr Bagbin’s extensive experience in peace mediation and parliamentary diplomacy will strengthen the Taskforce’s mission to foster understanding and dialogue.

Established in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union is the global organisation of national parliaments, with 180 full members and 15 associate members. Its overarching goal is the promotion of peace, democracy, and cooperation through parliamentary engagement.

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Read the full statement below:

Ho West MP, Emmanuel Bedzrah, and Walewale MP, Tiah Abdul-Kabiru Mahama, disagreed sharply on whether the executive should take over the process from private members.

Tia Abdul-Kabiru Mahama said he opposed the idea of the executive bringing the bill.

According to him, Parliament must build a culture that allows private members to push bills that serve public interest, even when the government is not keen.

He said, “One of the reasons why I’m against it is that we see we must develop a culture of even where certain bills are in the interest of the public, but because the executive has some interest, they don’t want to push it on.

“Private members should be able to pass those bills. This is because the representatives of the people are the members of parliament. But if we always have this culture that every bill must come from the executive, we are not developing that.”

Responding to the constitutional argument about private members’ bills not imposing a charge on the Consolidated Fund, he argued that the interpretation of Article 108 was wrong.

He said, “If they are resting the argument on Article 108 of the Constitution, I argue that the interpretation being placed on that particular provision is wrong because the title, which is also an aid to the interpretation of the constitutional provision, states clearly that settlement of financial matters.”

He explained that the framers of the Constitution intended that the provision applied only to fiscal bills that impose taxes or confer financial benefits.

He added, “Even I participated in the recent constitutional review process, and this article is one of the areas that we are thinking of proposing amendments to, especially the title, so that it will reflect the content of this particular bill.”

Mr Tia Mahama maintained that due process was as important as the outcome. “It is my position, and a considered well, for that matter, that processes and procedures are as good as the results,” he said.

He added, “You cannot just be interested in the results. You must be interested in the process.”

He insisted that allowing government to take over the bill would kill individual initiative and weaken democratic culture.

“If you just said, okay, let’s do it as usual, government should bring the bill in a bill that means that it even kills individual initiative,” he stated.

He warned that if Parliament always relied on the executive, important legislation might never pass. “Like the previous government, if we were relying on the executive to implement this bill, would the bill have come to pass? Definitely no,” he said.

But Emmanuel Bedzrah disagreed. He said he had no objection to the government taking over the bill.

“The question with the president was the fact that he would introduce the bill as a public bill, not a private member’s bill,” he said.https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZQ6Xzem0_VI?si=WAplHiDt5s6dqR9v

“That’s where we all stood, and we won the election. I have been waiting for the Attorney General to bring the public bill, but he is not forthcoming, so those of us who have decided to bring it back said Well the bill has already been passed in its state and form, why don’t we reintroduce it as a private members’ bill?”

He explained that the executive could later take it up.

“The government can arrest it now that, although it has been introduced as a private members’ bill, I am taking it on and I want to bring it as a public bill. There is nothing wrong with that.”

He said he would actually prefer it to become a public bill. “In fact, I will prefer that it will become a public bill, because of the argument my Senior Brother has made, the fact that you know when it is a public bill, you take away all the politics about it,” he said.

Mr Bedzrah said politics was now clouding the bill’s purpose.

“Currently, there is politics around it. From what I’ve heard from my colleagues, now is becoming a partisan roadblock, and I’m not in parliament to pass this bill as a partisan bill. I want to pass for Ghanaians.”

He said the first time the bill was introduced, it had bipartisan support.

“When we came together the first time, even though it was only Reverend Ntim Fordjour from the NPP side who joined us. He was actively involved, and I doff my hat to him.”

He said the bill should unite Ghanaians, not divide them.

“It should not be that we are avenging, or there is some form of we want to reciprocate. No, no, no. It should be that this bill is for Ghanaians, and Ghana, we are passing it for Ghanaians. And so it should not be partisan at all,” he said.

He concluded, “If government takes it, arrests it and then brings it back as a public bill, I’ll be the happiest person.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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Ho West MP and sponsor of the Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, Emmanuel Bedzrah, has announced that the reintroduced bill will be laid before Parliament as soon as it appears on the order paper.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, Mr. Bedzrah explained that the previous version of the bill, passed under the Eighth Parliament, no longer holds legal standing, and the legislative process must begin afresh.

“The 8th Parliament bill that was passed by Parliament is now moot. We don’t have a bill. All we have now is a new bill that has been introduced to the House. We are yet to lay it. We’re waiting for the Speaker to give a directive, as he did on Tuesday. The bill will be laid as soon as it’s advertised on our order paper,” he said.

He recalled that the earlier bill was unanimously supported by MPs before stalling at the presidency. “As we all know, that bill was passed last Parliament. Eight of us sponsored it, and we did everything possible to ensure it passed. You remember, 275 of us supported it,” he added.

Mr. Bedzrah explained that the bill, after being passed, was transmitted to the President for assent but never reached him due to a legal challenge. “It got to a point where it had to be assented to by the President, but it was blocked along the line. Someone had to go to the Supreme Court for interpretation on whether the President should receive it in the first place,” he said.

He noted that the change in administration meant the bill effectively lapsed and had to be reintroduced. “The then government could not assent to it, so it does not form a law. Even though it was passed, it’s like you are in the middle — neither here nor there,” he said.

Using a vivid metaphor, Mr. Bedzrah described the reintroduction as a second chance to “do the right thing.” “God has decided that, okay, come back to the earth to do the right thing. So it’s back to us now, and fortunately, we came together to start a new life for the bill,” he said.

Expressing confidence in the bill’s future, he concluded, “I can tell you that from what people are saying, the bill will be passed again, and this time around, the President will assent to it.”

At a press briefing, Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib claimed that the MCE had publicly admitted to collecting fines from illegal miners, some of whom are reportedly National Democratic Congress (NDC) branch executives in Akim Oda.

He further alleged that some miners paid up to GHC15,000 without receiving official receipts or following standard financial procedures.

“The Minority Caucus in Parliament is scandalised by the admission of the Municipal Chief Executive of the Birim Central Municipality, Solomon Kusi Brako, that illegal miners were fined various sums of money for mining illegally in the Akim Oda area and were then allowed to continue their activities,” Mr. Shaib stated.

According to him, the MCE later instructed the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAMOS) to destroy equipment belonging to some of the same miners he had previously fined — a move that sparked public outrage.

“This occurred after some of these illegal miners, who describe themselves as NDC branch executives, complained because the same MCE who collected money from them directed NAMOS to their site to burn their equipment. We are urging the President to take charge of activities in the Akim Oda municipality,” he added.

Mr. Shaib emphasized that the MCE’s actions contradict the government’s stated commitment to combating galamsey.

“Today, we are calling on His Excellency, the President, to hold this Municipal Chief Executive accountable. If the President genuinely intends to fight galamsey, the MCE is acting contrary to that vision,” he stressed.

Covering 43 sittings held between January and March 2025, the report shows Felix Akwetey Nii Okle, MP for Bortianor-Ngleshi Amanfro, as the most absent legislator, missing 23 sittings. He was followed by Joseph Frempong of Nkawkaw, absent on 22 occasions, and Ernest Yaw Anim of Kumawu, who missed 21 sittings.

Other MPs with notable absentee rates include Col. Kwadwo Damoah (Rtd.) of Jaman South with 19 absences; Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, MP for Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam and Minister for Finance, absent 17 times; and Blay Nyameke Armah of Sekondi, who missed 16 sittings.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, recorded 15 absences, while Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Effiduase-Asokore), Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (Takoradi), and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng (Obuasi West) each missed 14 sittings. Several others, including Sam Nartey George (Ningo-Prampram), Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo (Wa Central) — Minister for Employment — and Francis-Xavier Sosu (Madina), were absent 13 times each.

In response, Speaker Alban Bagbin has directed parliamentary clerks to tighten attendance monitoring, cautioning that repeated absenteeism could lead to sanctions, including possible loss of seat, under parliamentary rules.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, the bill co-sponsor described the claims as “untruthful,” insisting that the Effutu MP never engaged the bill’s sponsors in any agreement or amendment discussions.

“For crying out loud, you can ask Moses Foh-Amaning when we met as a group of sponsors. I was leading this whole business until we appointed Sam George as our spokesperson. If there was anybody who needed to be spoken to, it was me. Honourable Afenyo-Markin has never come to us as sponsors to change, amend, or even hold the bill,” Mr. Bedzrah stated.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin had earlier claimed that, while serving as Majority Leader in the last Parliament, he consulted high-ranking NDC figures before the bill was passed for presidential assent. Mr. Bedzrah, however, insisted no such meeting took place.

“Those people above us call us as party folks who were pushing for the bill. I am telling you on authority that Sam George did not inform us that anybody had called him. Our party was behind us. We meet as eight members, including Ntim Fordjour, to agree on how to proceed,” he added.

Bedzrah also rejected suggestions that the NDC betrayed Afenyo-Markin following supposed backroom negotiations.

“In Parliament, any such negotiations would have to involve the sponsors. If it were a ministry, you speak to the ministry. Nobody had any conversation with us. Otherwise, we would have backed down. You came thinking that because you are Majority Leader, people should just comply,” he said.

He further questioned Afenyo-Markin’s current advocacy for the bill, calling it contradictory.

“This is the first time I’m hearing this, and I am surprised that the same Minority Leader now stands in Parliament advocating for the bill. What kind of double tongue is this?” he asked.

Emphasizing his personal conviction, Mr. Bedzrah declared that his political career hinges on the bill’s passage.

“I can say on principle that if this bill is not assented to, I will not come back to Parliament again. This is a live studio, and I’m saying it — I’ve told my colleagues the same. What do I come to do if I don’t have a moral principle for my generations unborn?” he said.

He stressed that his stance is rooted in principle rather than politics.

“That is my whole life. I did not enter Parliament just to be an MP. Our principles must be defended. Some of us are not there to do politics. We are there for a purpose — for the forward movement and advancement of this country. I’m very passionate about it,” Mr. Bedzrah concluded.

The comments follow a motion filed by the Minority on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, seeking to suspend all parliamentary processes leading to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie’s appointment until pending legal actions filed by the removed Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo, are resolved.

The motion, signed by some Minority MPs, was defended by Gushegu MP Hassan Tampuli, who argued that Parliament must adopt the motion to uphold due process. He noted that the caucus’ position was not against the nominee personally but intended to protect procedural fairness.

“It appears to me that he [Tampuli] is arguing the legal case for Torkornoo, and Parliament is not a court. That is not the place to argue the legal case of Torkornoo,” Mr Fuseini said.

He explained that Parliament’s role in the appointment process is clearly defined and cannot be suspended simply because a legal case is before the courts.

“There is a method of appointing a Chief Justice. The nomination must come from the President, and the approval must come from Parliament. When the two coincide, then the act is consolidated. The Chief Justice is approved and sworn into office,” he stated.

Mr Fuseini added that unless the President’s nomination is itself stopped, Parliament cannot be prevented from performing its constitutional duty under Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

He further noted that the framers of the Constitution did not intend for decisions regarding the removal of a Chief Justice to be subject to appeal, pointing out that Article 146 provides finality to such proceedings.

“If the framers of the Constitution had intended an appeal, they would have provided for it,” he said.

Source: Prince Adu Owusu

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr Bedzrah said his stance is rooted in principle and moral conviction rather than politics.

“If it’s not assented to, I will not come back to Parliament again,” he declared. “This is a live studio, and I’m saying it. I’ve even told my colleagues and everybody that if it’s not passed and assented to, I’ll not come back. What do I come to do? If I don’t have a moral principle to my generations unborn, then what am I doing?”

He emphasised that his entire parliamentary career and personal beliefs are tied to defending the bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ activities and promote what its sponsors call “proper human sexual rights and family values.”

“That is my whole life. Some of us did not just enter Parliament because we wanted to be members of Parliament,” he stated. “We must defend our principles. My colleagues who think we are just there to do politics are mistaken. Some of us are there for a purpose — for the forward movement and advancement of this country.”

Mr Bedzrah, one of the bill’s sponsors, also accused Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin of being “untruthful” about claims that he once sought to amend the bill when he was Majority Leader in the previous Parliament.

He denied any engagement with Mr Afenyo-Markin or his office over proposed amendments.

“He has never come to us as sponsors either to change or do any amendment, or even hold on the bill,” Bedzrah insisted. “This is the first time I’m hearing anything like this, and I am surprised that the same Minority Leader today will stand in front of everybody in Parliament advocating for this bill. So what kind of double tongue is this?”

According to him, as one of the eight sponsors of the bill, he worked closely with other members, including Ntim Fordjour and Sam George, to coordinate its progress in Parliament.

“We meet as eight members, including Hon. Fordjour, to agree on how to go about this business,” he said. “When he brought those amendments, he lost miserably.”

His comments were in response to Mr Afenyo-Markin’s earlier claim on JoyNews that the then-opposition NDC refused to cooperate with efforts to amend the bill to make it more acceptable for presidential assent.

For Mr Bedzrah, however, the issue transcends politics — it is a matter of moral conviction. He insists that if the bill does not receive presidential assent, his 16-year parliamentary career will come to an end.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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The caution follows reports of persistently low attendance in Parliament since sittings resumed last week, a trend that has continued throughout the year.

Under Ghana’s Constitution, any MP absent for 15 consecutive sittings without permission from the Speaker automatically forfeits their seat.

Addressing the House on Wednesday, October 29, Mr. Bagbin said he would strictly enforce these constitutional provisions during the current session.

“It’s for good reason we decided that we’ll sit in the afternoons so that you can take the morning to attend committee meetings, prepare reports and attend to your constituents, and that by 2 p.m., you should be ready to sit,” he said.

The Speaker explained that afternoon sittings were introduced to allow MPs to engage with ministries and public institutions during official hours, while evening sessions were designed to enable citizens to follow parliamentary proceedings more conveniently.

“In the evenings, people have the opportunity to sit, watch, advise you, and make inputs. That again we are not taking advantage of. I’m saying this for the last time,” he cautioned.

Mr. Bagbin revealed that he had directed parliamentary clerks to take detailed attendance records throughout the current session, warning that sanctions would follow if absenteeism persisted.

“We have the Standing Orders. We know what they say. We’ll be taking action to ensure that members are compelled to sit or be considered to have vacated their seats,” he declared.

Expressing disappointment, the Speaker said continued disregard for plenary sessions was eroding public confidence in Parliament.

“I’m not happy with the way members value plenary sessions,” he lamented. “You yourselves, those of you who are always here, I see from your faces that you are with me in this matter.”

Mr. Bagbin also disclosed that he had already compiled attendance records from the first and second meetings of the year but had chosen not to publish them.

“I decided, for good reason, not to publish them but to give you the last opportunity. It looks like that was a catastrophic mistake I made. I should have brought it out and referred members to the Privileges Committee,” he remarked.

Source: Adomonline

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The Bank of Ghana on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, launched a year-long commemoration of the milestone at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme, “60 Years of the Cedi: A Symbol of Sovereignty, Stability, and Economic Resilience.”

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, said all leaders who have played a role in strengthening the Cedi deserve to be acknowledged.

“I want to look at it from the angle that whoever has contributed to the proper evolution of the Cedi must be commended and celebrated. We have a list of names, and President Mahama is one of them, but anybody who has been president since the inception of the Cedi must be commended,” he stated.

He further stressed that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who served for eight years, should be recognized as a major contributor to the Cedi’s stability.

His appeal follows hints from the Speaker that the Majority may propose adjustments to certain sections of the bill before presenting it again, a move the Damongo legislator strongly opposes.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Abu Jinapor stressed that the bill, officially titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was unanimously approved by the previous Parliament after extensive national consultations and should be restored in its original form.

“Let them bring the bill as it was, and as was passed by the 8th Parliament in the same form and shape. Don’t change it. Don’t water it down. What Ghanaians want is a law that promotes good sexual conduct in Ghana and prevents LGBTQ,” he asserted.

The legislation, though passed, was not assented to before the previous government’s term ended. The current NDC-led administration has indicated plans to reintroduce the bill in the 9th Parliament, reportedly with some amendments.

Abu Jinapor, who also serves as Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that altering the original provisions would undermine the legislative process and disregard the moral and cultural values held by Ghanaians.

His remarks have reignited national debate over the controversial bill, which continues to divide opinion among civil society groups, faith-based organisations, and international partners.

As Parliament prepares to deliberate on the legislation, attention is on how the Majority will respond to Abu Jinapor’s call to restore the bill in its original form.

According to him, while freedom of expression must be guaranteed, Ghana cannot allow a climate where fear of government outweighs responsibility on social media—a trend he warns threatens both the ruling party and the opposition.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Mr Bataglia said the draft bill is still at its initial stage and will undergo extensive debate before becoming law.

“This is basically a draft bill that will go through a lot of debate and other things, so I’m happy that people are pointing this out. But there is one thing we are all afraid of as people in this country—that yes, as much as we want to give people freedom, it is also important we make sure that we at least create some kind of responsibility in people. And that is the fact,” he said.

He warned that when citizens fear the government more than they respect rules, it creates a challenging environment.

“NDC, no matter how long they stay in power, will not be in power forever. Somebody should take steps to be able to sensitise the system so that one day, in the very unforeseeable future, if they come into power, they will also be comfortable running this country without any fear because the social media and whatever is happening now is taking us to a stage that at least all of us are not comfortable with. It’s not just the ones in government now, but even those in opposition,” Mr Bataglia said.

The lawmaker also emphasised the importance of basing statements on facts.

“People say things sometimes not based on fact. If you say something based on fact and conclude, “I don’t think you have a problem, so I think that as much as it’s something that we are going to look at, it will be laid before Parliament.

“Debate will be done, and all aspects that we think are not in sync with our aspirations, I think there is no problem taking that out and tweaking it to fit our aspirations. I’m sure that will be fine.”

The Cybersecurity Amendment Bill 2025 has generated widespread debate, particularly on social media under the hashtag #ScrapCSABill2025, with critics warning that it could hand excessive power to the state to monitor or restrict online activity.

Supporters, however, argue that the bill is intended to strengthen Ghana’s digital security framework and help curb cybercrime, misinformation, and online fraud.

Source: Kareen Tei

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Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on October 27, he said his leadership will be defined by substance, not numbers.

“I’m not in any way worried about the numbers. Like I indicated in my opening remarks in Parliament, it’s about substance,” he said.

Responding to suggestions that power in Parliament lies in numbers, Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that influence is earned through strategy and conviction.

“Before the final destination, you need to demonstrate your weight. And for me, that is what enriches democracy,” he said.

He drew inspiration from how the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led in Parliament by Alban Bagbin in opposition, recovered from its first major defeat in 2000.

“The situation has happened before to the NDC. I draw a lot of inspiration from the Bagbin era and NDC opposition,”

Mr Afenyo-Markin recalled how the NDC, after its PNDC roots, struggled for relevance when it lost power.

“Kufuor enjoyed huge goodwill. In 2001, nobody wanted to hear NDC. In fact, it was difficult for them to even appear on radio programmes. But they put themselves together in the midst of the confusion,” he recounted.

According to him, the Bagbin-led Minority’s hard work and determination eventually paid off.

“By 2004, they had momentum on their side. Then by 2008, they surprised the nation,” he said.

He stressed the importance of learning from both successes and failures.

“As a politician, you should not be shy of your weakness. You come into government, you have your success story, you have your failings,” he noted.

Reflecting on the government’s record, Mr Afenyo-Markin admitted challenges in tackling illegal mining, stabilising the economy, and managing public discontent.

“We were faced with huge challenges. We tried, but we were not too successful. Typical example, galamsey,” he said.

He said tough economic measures taken during the post-COVID period alienated key sections of the party’s base.

“We lost the middle class, the businessmen. There were haircuts, pensioners, educated people who ordinarily would vote NPP got disappointed,” he said.

Despite this, he maintained that the government achieved significant milestones in education and industrialisation.

“We introduced Free SHS, which benefited many families. We brought in 1D1F, a major boost for the private sector. It attracted a lot of companies that saw Ghana as a great destination for business,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin concluded that although expectations were high and the party lost ground, the experience has strengthened his resolve.

“Eventually, all these gains, because of our inability to meet the higher expectations of the Ghanaian people, we lost out,” he said.

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim

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The Committee assured that its findings will guide measures to strengthen coastal protection efforts and improve project supervision nationwide.

Source: Ohene Amponsah

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“You told the respondent, Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo, and her lawyers to return on the 15th for the next petition. Then suddenly, the petitioners’ lawyers request a long adjournment, and out of the blue, a report recommending her removal is produced,” he recounted.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin insisted that such conduct “casts doubt on the integrity of the process” and erodes public confidence in judicial accountability.

The Effutu MP’s remarks come after the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, referred President John Mahama’s nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Chief Justice to the Appointments Committee for vetting and recommendation, in accordance with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

He has also directed the committee to expedite its work and present its report to the House for a final decision.

Source:

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Habib Iddrisu, a member of the Minority, expressed concern on the floor of Parliament, describing the situation as “a serious matter.”

“Mr Speaker, we cannot have bills advertised on the Order Paper yesterday and today, the same bills are missing without anything being explained to anybody,” he said.

“We, the leadership of the Minority here, we are not aware why it has not been captured in today’s Order Paper. Neither are the sponsors.”

The bill, officially known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, was expected to be reintroduced in Parliament on Wednesday, October 22, after being listed on Tuesday.

However, it was quietly removed from the day’s business agenda.

Also expressing frustration, Ntim Fordjour accused the government of attempting to “run away” from the bill.

“Suddenly, this clearly indicates that there seems to be a clear attempt by the NDC government to run away from this bill,” he charged. “The bill that they thought was important yesterday must be important today. We are demanding that the human sexual rights and Family Values Bill be passed now.”

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, explained earlier that there was no need to re-lay the bill since it had already been passed by the previous Parliament and forwarded to the Presidency for assent.

The anti-LBGTQ+ bill has been one of the most contentious pieces of legislation in recent years, drawing both strong support from conservative groups and sharp criticism from human rights advocates and sections of the international community.

With the bill’s sudden removal from the Order Paper, the Minority is demanding clarity and immediate action.

Source: Myjoyonline