Leading the delegation was Osabarima Owusu Nketia I, Chief of Takrowaso.

Speaker Bagbin, on behalf of Parliament and the Staff of the Parliamentary Service, extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

He noted that the late MP’s passing leaves a significant void in Parliament and in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The Speaker further stated that the late Ernest Yaw Kumi’s commitment to democratic governance, his relentless advocacy for the people of Akwatia, and his dedication to national development will always be remembered and honoured.

He added that Parliament will work closely with the family to ensure the late legislator is given a dignified and befitting burial.

The 40-year-old first-time MP passed on Monday, July 7, 2025, after a brief illness.

He left behind a wife and three children.

Adomonline.com

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The apology was made during Dr. Ayensu-Danquah’s vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, where Afenyo-Markin took a moment to address the concerns directly.

His earlier remarks, made during a parliamentary debate, questioned the basis of her nomination.

Many interpreted his comments as suggesting her appointment was influenced by “strange reasons,” a phrase widely seen as implying favouritism over other female Members of Parliament, such as Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.

The statement drew strong criticism from both within and outside Parliament, with many calling it dismissive of women’s competence and contributions in public office.

It also reignited broader concerns over gender equity in political appointments.

Seizing the moment during the vetting, Afenyo-Markin said:

“I want to say to you that to the extent that, as a colleague, we play, we relate very formally, informally, and at that moment unbeknownst to me, you felt I had crossed the red line, I say to you I’m sorry. Is that fair?”

Dr. Ayensu-Danquah, who doubles as Essikado-Ketan MP, responding calmly, accepted the apology:

“That is fair, and I’m very appreciative that you have taken this opportunity to apologise. And I hope that moving forward, we will have a better relationship. And I’m very grateful and humbled. Thank you.”

The exchange helped ease what could have been a contentious vetting process.

Beyond the immediate incident, the situation reignited national conversations about the role of women in governance.

Although female representation in Ghana’s Parliament has grown to around 14.5%, it still falls below the global average and the often-cited 30% target championed by gender advocates.

President John Dramani Mahama made the nominations in accordance with Articles 78(1) and 79(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

The four nominees, all Members of Parliament, are expected to appear before the Committee for evaluation and approval.

The nominees include Dorcas Affo-Toffey, MP for Jomoro, selected for the role of Deputy Minister for Transport, and James Gyakye Quayson, MP for Assin North, who has been put forward as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Also appearing before the Committee are Mohammed Adam Sukparu, MP for Sissala West, nominated for the position of Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, and Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, MP for Essikado-Ketan, who has been proposed as Deputy Minister of Health.

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, referred the nominations to the Appointments Committee on July 17.

This vetting marks the final round of deputy ministerial assessments under the current administration.

Following approval, the nominees will assist their respective sector ministers in implementing government programmes and strengthening service delivery.

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These include the violent disturbances that marred the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun and the escalating environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In the petition, submitted on July 24, the Caucus invoked Chapter 6 of the 1992 Constitution and accused officials aligned with the government, as well as some elements within the security agencies, of complicity or willful inaction during the rerun held on July 11.

The Minority described the Ablekuma North rerun as a “coordinated subversion of democracy.”

According to the Caucus, what was meant to be a peaceful vote to restore parliamentary representation was overshadowed by violence, impersonation of state security forces, and brutal assaults on journalists, electoral officers, and opposition party members.

Citing incidents at polling centres such as the St. Peter’s Society Methodist Church, Awoshie DVLA, and Asiedu Gyedu Memorial School, the Caucus named former Ministers Mavis Hawa Koomson and Dakoa Newman, as well as NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, among the individuals reportedly assaulted.

The petition also highlighted the appearance of masked individuals in brown, police-style uniforms who allegedly clashed with the Ghana Police Service.

This raised suspicions of a “premeditated attempt to sabotage the integrity of the electoral process.”

Of particular concern was what the Minority called the “public glorification of violence” by government appointees.

They singled out Dr. Hanna Bissiw, CEO of the Minerals Development Fund, and Malik Basintale, Acting CEO of the Youth Employment Agency, for their alleged public endorsement of the violence.

The Caucus, therefore, demanded the immediate dismissal of both officials, the arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved, and a thorough, independent probe into the role of Chief Superintendent Fredrick Lumor Senanu.

They also urged the president to publicly apologise to victims and issue a strong condemnation of the incidents.

“We demand truth, justice, and action,” the petition stated, calling for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry under Article 278 of the Constitution.

The second part of the petition addressed the worsening environmental destruction caused by illegal mining.

The Minority labelled the situation “a full-blown ecological emergency,” citing data from A Rocha Ghana and Global Forest Watch indicating a 17% increase in river turbidity and a 9% decline in forest cover within six months.

They pointed to the Yonkamba stream in the President’s hometown of Bole Bamboi as a stark example of the devastation, describing it as “flowing with poison rather than promise.”

The Caucus accused certain District Chief Executives, political operatives, and security officers of shielding illegal miners, referencing investigative reports from The Fourth Estate and IMANI Ghana.

In response, the Minority made several proposals including, declaring a state of emergency in all illegal mining areas, repealing Legislative Instrument 2462, which they believe facilitates galamsey operations, prosecution of public officials and party operatives found complicit and establishment of an independent multi-stakeholder commission to oversee anti-galamsey enforcement.

In addition, they are demanding the strengthening of the Forestry and Water Resources Commissions and the launch of a National Environmental Recovery Programme focused on river restoration, reforestation, and public education.

They also urged the President to honour Ghana’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, and other international environmental accords.

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, speaking on the petition, warned that silence or complicity by state institutions threatens to erode Ghana’s hard-won democratic foundations.

The Caucus appealed to the President to act with urgency and impartiality, emphasising that “the nation will judge its leaders by their willingness to confront these crises with courage and integrity.”

Adomonline.com

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Below is the full petition:

The action was in protest of the violence that marred the recent parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North.

Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, stated that the caucus could not in good conscience participate in the budget proceedings.

The Majority caucus booed and chanted ‘away, away, away’ as the NPP MPs filed out of the chamber in anger and frustration.

Following the boycott, the Minority is set to present a petition to various key stakeholders, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), and other civil society organizations.

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According to Joy FM Parliamentary Correspondent Kweku Asante, the Minority has scheduled a series of activities away from Parliament at 12:00 PM, precisely when Dr. Ato Forson is slated to address the House.

This synchronized scheduling points to a deliberate strategy to express dissent and draw attention to their grievances outside the parliamentary chamber.

The Minority is reportedly set to present a petition to various key stakeholders, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), and other civil society organizations.

While the specific aggrieved issues driving this protest were not detailed in the initial intelligence, such actions by the Minority are typically rooted in disputes over government policy, perceived procedural irregularities, or unaddressed concerns regarding national governance.

Parliamentary boycotts, while not unprecedented in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, are often employed by the Minority as a potent tool of protest.

They serve to deny legitimacy to government proceedings, particularly major policy statements like budget presentations, and to amplify their voice on issues they feel are not being adequately addressed within the regular parliamentary process.

Historically, Ghanaian parliaments have seen instances of Minority boycotts.

For example, during the NPP administration, the then-Minority NDC occasionally boycotted sessions over matters such as alleged human rights abuses or contentious loan agreements.

Similarly, the NPP Minority have walked out or boycotted sittings in the current administration, often protesting what they viewed as undemocratic practices or economic mismanagement.

Such actions can disrupt legislative business, though budget presentations, being constitutionally mandated, typically proceed regardless of the Minority’s presence.

However, a boycott effectively deprives the budget statement of the bipartisan scrutiny and debate that the parliamentary process is designed to foster.

It also sends a strong political message to the public and international observers about the state of parliamentary consensus and cooperation.

The Finance Minister’s Mid-Year Budget Review is a crucial parliamentary event, offering an update on the nation’s economic performance, revisions to revenue and expenditure projections, and potentially new policy initiatives.

A boycott by the Minority would undoubtedly overshadow the presentation itself, shifting public focus to the political tensions within the legislature.

Political observers will be keenly watching how the government responds to this potential boycott and whether it escalates the already strained relations between the Majority and Minority caucuses.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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According to him, Parliament is the appropriate platform for the Minority to raise their concerns, and they should utilise it rather than boycotting sittings.

“How many times did Akufo-Addo meet with the Minority in his eight years? How many times did President Kufuor meet the Minority? The request should be declined because they are supposed to speak in Parliament, and if they keep boycotting sittings, what are they going to tell the President when they can’t use the forum they have?” he quizzed.

His comments come as the Minority prepares to formally present a petition at the Jubilee House today, Thursday, July 24, 2025, requesting a meeting with the President on what they describe as “issues of great public concern.”

In an earlier letter, the caucus emphasised the urgency of the matters they wish to raise, stating that they require “fair-minded leadership and definitive action” from the President.

However, Mr. Adu Asare, speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, insisted that the best avenue for such matters remains Parliament.

“These guys have a mandate given to them by the constitution of Ghana. So who has given them the mandate to seek an audience with the President? Over what? They have already been given a forum for dialogue and debate, but they use that to vilify and throw shade, and now they are seeking whichever forum. Is that Parliament?” he fumed.

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Speaking in an interview with Adom News, the former Deputy Energy Minister reminded the NDC MPs that their dominant status is temporary and they would eventually be held accountable for their performance in the 2028 general elections.

“The NDC MPs should not take their two-thirds majority for granted simply because they have the numbers,” he said. “They should not make decisions unilaterally but consult the knowledgeable minority for ideas that will benefit the nation.”

Reflecting on his tenure between 2017 and 2021 when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held a strong parliamentary majority of 169 seats, Egyapa Mercer noted that the then-majority made room for inclusive governance.

“We always considered the views of senior and experienced MPs like Haruna Iddrisu and others, even if some of those discussions were not publicized,” he added.

He emphasized that parliamentary democracy thrives on mutual respect between majority and minority sides, saying, “The principle is that the majority will have its way, and the minority will have its say. It is crucial that the minority is allowed to voice their opinions.”

Meanwhile, political analyst Jonathan Asante Okyere has disagreed with suggestions that the NDC majority is sidelining the minority.

According to him, the current parliamentary leadership has not abused its numerical strength, unlike what might have happened under the Akufo-Addo administration.

“If the Akufo-Addo government had the majority in their previous administration, they would likely have exploited their numbers to sideline the minority,” he asserted.

He concluded by emphasizing that governance requires cooperation between both sides of the House.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to present the 2024 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament today, July 24, 2025.

The presentation is in accordance with Section 28 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

It will provide an update on the implementation of the 2025 Budget, highlighting the government’s economic and fiscal performance for the first half of the year.

The review is also expected to outline proposed amendments to fiscal strategies in response to evolving economic conditions, particularly in the areas of revenue generation, public expenditure, debt servicing, and structural reforms.

Dr. Forson is further anticipated to report on key macroeconomic indicators—such as inflation and exchange rate trends—and update the public on whether Ghana is on track to meet its end-of-year revenue targets.

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Appiagyei, who was nominated as a replacement for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, raised concerns about the process and its implications for unity within the Minority Caucus.

In a memorandum submitted to the Speaker of Parliament on July 22, 2025, the Asokwa MP stated that she was not consulted prior to her selection.

She described the development as “procedurally inappropriate” and cautioned that such unilateral decisions could fuel internal tensions.

“There was an understanding by leadership that the Minority Leader would be on the ECOWAS Parliament delegation, as was communicated to the Committee of Selection.

“It is therefore deeply troubling that a contrary nomination was advanced on the floor without consultation,” the memo read in part.

She emphasised that the Effutu MP, who was sworn in as a member and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament last year, retains a valid and ongoing mandate under ECOWAS protocols, which grant members a four-year term.

“A sitting member cannot be removed unless the member voluntarily resigns, is removed from office, appointed to the Executive or as a Judge, or otherwise becomes ineligible,” she noted, adding that none of these conditions applied to the Minority Leader.

While acknowledging efforts to enhance female representation in regional bodies, Madam Appiagyei warned against using gender parity as a cover for politically motivated decisions.

“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she wrote.

She has therefore requested the withdrawal of her name from the resolution and asked that Parliament rescind the decision.

She further urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to maintain the original nominees: Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Asante-Akim Central MP Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, and Abetifi MP Bryan Acheampong.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I reiterate that the resolution that has my name as a nominated member for the delegation to ECOWAS Parliament be stayed. The House should take steps to rescind such a decision since I do not intend to accept the offer made to me by the House.

“By this memo, I am refusing to be part of such a delegation and pray that the Clerk to Parliament does not communicate any such resolution to the ECOWAS Parliament that includes my name,” she added.

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The legislation, passed on Tuesday, July 22, seeks to establish a dedicated fund aimed at supporting urgent medical interventions, emergency care, and treatment for low-income patients who are unable to access quality healthcare through conventional means.

Although the Minority in Parliament initially resisted the laying of the bill on Monday, July 21, they eventually relented.

This enabled the bill to move through the necessary legislative stages. It advanced to the consideration stage and received unanimous approval.

Per the provisions of the bill, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund will receive financing from multiple sources, including a designated allocation from the national budget, voluntary contributions from individuals and corporate bodies, as well as external donor support.

The Fund is designed to bridge critical funding gaps in the current National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), providing a safety net for citizens who otherwise fall outside the reach of public healthcare assistance.

To ensure proper oversight and transparency, the bill outlines a governance framework that includes the formation of a Board of Trustees.

This body will be tasked with managing the fund’s operations, safeguarding accountability, and preventing misuse of resources.

Implementation is expected in the coming months, subject to presidential assent and the formation of administrative systems to operationalize the fund.

Source: Adomonline.com

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PAP is a prestigious continental legislative body bringing together representatives from each African Union (AU) member state, including at least one woman.

This appointment highlights Dr. Agyeman Rawlings’s expanding influence on the African stage.

The Pan African Parliament, serving as a key legislative organ of the AU, plays a major role in supporting democratic governance, promoting Pan African ideals, and fostering collaboration among national parliaments.

As a medical doctor, environmental and humanitarian activist, conflict resolution specialist, and prominent figure in Ghanaian politics, Dr. Agyeman Rawlings brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She is currently the Chairperson of the Committee on Security and Intelligence.

The bill, introduced less than 24 hours before its consideration, seeks to establish a dedicated fund to support individuals living with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. However, the Minority argued that the initiative risks undermining existing health financing structures.

Former Lands Minister and MP for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, led the charge, questioning the need for a parallel scheme when the NHIS could be restructured to accommodate NCDs.

“We are all aware of the dangers of duplicating institutions. Reputable organisations such as the United Nations, UNDP, WHO, and IMF have consistently warned against third-world governments creating multiple agencies for the same purpose,” he cautioned.

“Why can we not simply review the National Health Insurance Authority to handle non-communicable diseases? Are we not tired of creating new institutions that drain administrative funds and complicate governance?”

Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, however, dismissed these concerns, clarifying that the Mahama Cares Fund would not compete with the NHIS but rather complement it.

“This fund is dedicated to NCDs that are not covered by the NHIS. Where is the competition? There is absolutely no competition,” he said.

He highlighted the growing burden of chronic diseases in Ghana, revealing alarming mortality rates.

“Mortality from NCDs stands at about 40% to 43%. But if you take out child mortality from the statistics, NCD-related deaths shoot up to over 65%,” Mr Akandoh explained.

“In governance, you design solutions for the challenges at hand. Today, the biggest health challenge we face is NCDs.”

MP for Manhyia North, Akwasi Konadu, also criticised the proposal, questioning its sustainability.

“What social intervention takes another social intervention to fund it? This trust fund is going to rely on the NHIS to survive. Are we creating secondary financing or secondary insurance?” he asked.

He warned that diverting NHIS funds to the Trust Fund could deprive primary healthcare of much-needed resources.

“Primary healthcare is about prevention and education to reduce the disease burden at the secondary and tertiary levels. If we underfund primary care, we will only increase the cases that reach the tertiary stage, which this Trust Fund is expected to manage,” Mr Konadu said.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, however, defended the proposal, acknowledging the dilemma but insisting that the government’s approach is pragmatic.

“If we simply added NCDs to the NHIS, it could consume over 20% of the scheme’s resources. That’s why the proposal is to set aside just 20% of the NHIS fund to support the Trust Fund, while the rest of the financing will come from other sources,” he explained.

He stressed the need for a targeted solution to Ghana’s NCD crisis, without overwhelming the NHIS’s broader mandate.

Despite the sharp division, the government maintains that the Mahama Cares Fund will provide lifesaving support to thousands of Ghanaians who currently cannot afford treatment for chronic illnesses. The debate is expected to continue as Parliament considers the bill further in the coming days.

Source: Kwaku Asante

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Although Afenyo-Markin currently serves as the Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, leaders of Ghana’s parliamentary caucuses have traditionally not been included in the country’s delegation to either the ECOWAS Parliament or the Pan-African Parliament.

These roles are typically filled by the Deputy Majority and Deputy Minority Leaders.

On the floor of Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga moved to amend the list of Members of Parliament to be submitted to the sub-regional body. The revised list replaced Afenyo-Markin’s name with that of his deputy, Patricia Appiagyei.

However, the decision drew strong opposition from former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who cited past instances where removed members still presented themselves for duty.

In response, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak warned that punitive measures should be considered if Afenyo-Markin attempts to defy the amendment and represent Ghana at the ECOWAS Parliament.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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Her induction follows a hard-fought victory in a parliamentary rerun for the constituency held on Friday, July 11, 2025.

Clad in NDC colours, the elated supporters cheered as Aubynn took the oath of office, pledging to serve her constituents with dedication and integrity.

Majority Leader and Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, welcomed her warmly and described her entry into Parliament as “a reinforcement of the NDC’s growing momentum.”

He assured Ghanaians that the caucus would not take its two-thirds majority for granted or abuse that right, but would meet the expectations of the Ghanaian people.

The rerun, held across 19 polling stations, was necessitated after the Electoral Commission (EC) annulled the original December 2024 parliamentary results over allegations of electoral irregularities and the submission of unauthenticated pink sheets.

Miss Aubynn secured 34,090 votes, narrowly defeating the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Akua Afriyie, who polled 33,881 votes.

Source: Adomonline.com

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The protest was sparked by a request from the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who signaled his intention to deliver a statement before the oath of office could be administered.

After securing the attention of the Speaker, Annoh-Dompreh moved to raise the issue formally.

However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga opposed the motion, suggesting that any concerns raised by the Minority could be addressed following the swearing-in.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, upheld the Majority Leader’s position, stating that the floor would be opened for commentary after the official ceremony.

Unhappy with the ruling, Annoh-Dompreh declared, “Mr. Speaker, we cannot be part of this swearing-in,” and subsequently led members of the Minority out of the chamber.

Nevertheless, the induction ceremony continued as scheduled, with Ewurabena Aubynn officially sworn into office as a Member of Parliament.

Source: Adomonline.com

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The ceremony follows her victory in the close contest in a rerun on Friday, July 11, 2025, in 19 polling stations following a prolonged dispute over the December 2024 results.

She secured 34,090 votes against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie’s 33,881.

Her victory has increased the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) parliamentary tally to 185 seats.

Meanwhile, four independent MPs — Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) of Gomoa Central, Worlasi Kpeli of Afram Plains North, Nandaya Yaw Stanley of Wulensi, and Ohene Kwame Frimpong of Asante Akim North — have declared support for the NDC, giving the party a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Source: Adomonline.com

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]]> https://www.adomonline.com/jerry-ahmed-reacts-to-i-will-sell-my-seat-if-bawumia-is-elected-flagbearer-report/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:29:41 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2558336 Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has strongly denied reports claiming he would resign from his seat if former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is elected as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer for the 2028 general elections.

In a statement, Mr. Shaib, who currently serves as Deputy Minority Whip, referenced a story published on opr.news with the headline: “I dare my NPP; I will sell my seat if Bawumia is mistakenly elected as flagbearer.”

He dismissed the report as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, tarnish his image, and create disunity within the NPP.

Mr. Shaib urged party supporters and the general public to disregard the report and remain vigilant against misinformation, particularly from unverified digital platforms.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s unity and electoral success, stressing that internal cohesion is vital for the NPP’s progress.

Read the full statement below:

Source: Adomonline.com

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Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, July 18, the Ofoase Ayirebi MP commended the Business Committee of the house for its detailed schedule of parliamentary business but called for a supplementary statement to include key policy documents that are yet to be submitted to Parliament.

He said these are papers that concern issues of national and economic interest, and that the programmes have been launched by the government, and “till date, we have not received a single A4 sheet detailing them. That makes oversight difficult.”

Mr Oppong Nkrumah cited six major programmes that had been publicly launched in recent months but for which no official documentation had been laid before the House.

These include:

• FeedGhana (Agric4 Economic Transformation Programme) – Launched 14 April 2025
• One Million Coders Programme – Launched 17 April 2025
• National Apprenticeship Programme – Launched 30 April 2025
• Ejumawura Programme – Launched 28 April 2025
• 24-Hour Economy Initiative – Launched in early June 2025
• Labour Export Programme – Announced 31 May 2025

He said the flagship programmes of the current administration must of necessity, be scrutinised by parliament, and it is proper that the house is provided with the full documentation to effectively scrutinise them.

He recalled that even the Speaker of Parliament had recently urged that the 24-hour economy policy be formally presented for consideration by the House.

With just a few weeks left before Parliament rises, the former Information Minister urged the Business Committee to expedite the preparation of a supplementary business statement to ensure the documents are made available for parliamentary review.

He pointed out that Parliament cannot carry out effective oversight if policy documents are not laid before Parliament.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

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The nominees are Dorcas Affo-Toffey as Deputy Minister for Transport, James Gyakye Quayson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Adam Sukparu for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, and Grace Ayensu-Danquah as Deputy Minister of Health.

Announcing the referral, Speaker Bagbin said the nominations represent the final batch of appointments by President Mahama to complete his ministerial team.

“The nominees have distinguished themselves in public service and possess the requisite publications, experience, and integrity to support the respective sector ministers in effectively discharging their duties.

“Their curriculum vitae and supporting documents are attached to facilitate the vetting process. I trust that Parliament will consider and approve the nominations expeditiously,” Speaker Bagbin announced in Parliament on Thursday, July 17.

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The seat is yet to be formally declared vacant following the sudden death of the MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, on Monday, July 7, 2025.

During proceedings, the Bawku Central MP raised concerns about the delay in officially announcing the vacancy, referencing Parliament’s visit to the late MP’s family.

“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware. Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk if they are aware or not, can he say he is not aware?” he questioned.

He continued, “After being informed by the Leader of the Caucus through a statement in this House, the Clerk himself followed up at his house and met the family members of the deceased, and they confirmed to him that the deceased had passed. And this was on national television.”

Responding to the concerns, Speaker Alban Bagbin explained that Parliament must first receive official communication from the bereaved family before the Clerk can notify the Electoral Commission. “We cannot act without formal notice,” he emphasised.

Tensions heightened when Ayariga alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already begun circulating campaign posters featuring the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, suggesting her interest in contesting the upcoming by-election.

The Minority described Ayariga’s comments as insensitive and ill-timed, stating that they politicised a moment of grief. In protest, they exited the chamber.

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The purpose of the bill is to establish a modern legal framework to improve governance, development and sustainability within the sector, which plays a crucial role in the national economy.

The bill specifically seeks to review and consolidate laws related to the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources. It also provides for the implementation of an Electronic Monitoring System to meet European Union and United States market requirements for legally sourced seafood.

Once assented to by the President, the bill will establish a Fisheries Commission to ensure the long-term conservation, development, management and utilisation of Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture resources. It also introduces stricter penalties for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Avoiding “Red Card” sanctions

Ghana’s current legal framework, the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), is outdated and lacks provisions to effectively address IUU fishing and impose adequate penalties on offenders. Ghana was issued a “yellow card” by the European Commission in 2021 for failing to tackle IUU fishing adequately.

Failure to update the legal regime could result in a “red card”, which would trigger a ban on the export of fish and fishery products to the European market, potentially costing Ghana an estimated $425.9 million in lost revenue.

The bill was presented to Parliament by the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, on June 3, 2025, and was referred to the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs for consideration.

Background and justification

According to the committee’s report, signed by its Chairman, Dr Godfred Seidu Jasaw, the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are vital to national development—particularly in job and wealth creation, poverty reduction, GDP contribution and foreign exchange earnings.

The report emphasised that sustainable management and exploitation of these resources required a robust legal framework to govern fishing activities, regulate resource extraction, and ensure compliance with both national and international environmental standards.

Currently, Ghana’s legal regime for the sector comprises the Fisheries Act, 2002 (Act 625), as amended by the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 2014 (Act 880), and supported by the Fisheries Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1968), the Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations, 2015 (L.I. 2217), and the National Premix Fuel Committee Regulations, 2016 (L.I. 2233).

However, since its passage in 2002, Act 625 has not undergone substantial revisions to reflect new challenges in sustainable fisheries management, despite granting the minister the power to introduce anti-IUU regulations.

Gaps and reforms

The report noted that international recommendations from conventions such as the Port State Measures Agreement—ratified by Ghana—had not been sufficiently integrated into the current law. Act 625 also fell short in addressing emerging local issues, such as aquaculture practices, post-harvest management, inland fisheries, gear selectivity, and climate change.

Reviews by the World Bank’s West African Regional Fisheries Programme in 2015 and the FAO in 2019 highlighted significant legal gaps and inconsistencies resulting from piecemeal amendments.

The newly passed bill, therefore, aims to modernise Ghana’s fisheries legal framework, support sustainable resource management, enhance food security and align with global fisheries governance standards.

“These legislative reforms are designed to align Ghana with international fisheries management obligations, ensuring both ecological and economic sustainability in the long term,” the report stated.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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President Mahama on Monday, July 15, announced the immediate cancellation of fuel benefits for political appointees as part of efforts to reduce government expenditure and promote fiscal discipline under his Reset Agenda.

However, speaking on the floor of Parliament, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, questioned the sincerity of the move and demanded more concrete action.

“If the President really wants to show that he’s serious about scrapping fuel allowances, I challenge him to shut down the fuel depots at the Castle and Jubilee House. That would show they are no longer taking fuel for free,” he said.

Mr. Awuku also criticised the lack of clarity surrounding the definition of “political appointee” under the directive.

“Does it include ministers? CEOs? Presidential staffers? Who exactly are we talking about?” he asked. “Again, I need clarification on what constitutes a fuel allowance.”

He further demanded transparency on the financial implications of the policy.

“How much is being spent on these fuel allowances? And after scrapping them, how much are we saving?” he queried. “If a minister drives from here to Ada or Ningo-Prampram for official duties, are we saying the state won’t cover the fuel used?”

He concluded, “This looks like a populist move—just a PR gimmick.”

But defending the President’s decision, NDC MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem, Samuel Atta Mills, welcomed the policy as a step in the right direction.

“I think it’s a great idea. Do you know how many government vehicles we have? This is a good example to set,” he stated. “Political appointees buying their own fuel is a small sacrifice for the nation.”

He also argued that MPs already fund their own fuel and that ministers should do the same.

“Members of Parliament buy their own fuel. Nobody gives us fuel coupons or allowances,” Mr. Mills added. “If a minister has to do the same, it’s just a small sacrifice for the country.”

Source: Kwaku Asante

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) maintained that the current economic gains are the result of strategic decisions and policies implemented under the leadership of President John Mahama.

However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) disagreed, arguing that the NDC is not presenting the full picture of the economy, which they claim has seen temporary improvements driven largely by artificial interventions.

Chairman of the Committee on Economy and Development and NDC MP, Eric Afful, praised the economy’s performance and attributed it to the NDC’s legacy policies.

“The headline inflation has declined consecutively within the year according to the Bank of Ghana by 2.6 percentage points to 21.2% in April 2025 and 18.3% in May 2025,” Mr Afful said in Parliament. “This resulted in reduction of price of goods and services in the country.

The primary fiscal balance on a commitment basis has also improved significantly in the first quarter of 2025. According to the report, at the end of March 2025, the stock of public debt stood at 769.4 billion Ghana cedis, representing 55% of GDP compared to 726.7 billion cedis, representing 61.8% of GDP at the end of December 2024.”

He further noted that, “The cedi has rebounded strongly against the major trading currencies driven by a combination of factors, including the tight monetary stance, ongoing fiscal consolidation, record reserves accumulation, strict enforcement of foreign exchange rules, and improved market sentiment.”

However, in a rebuttal, NPP MP and Ranking Member of the Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, questioned the sustainability of the gains and criticised the Majority caucus for what he described as misleading claims.

“There’s been an appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi, and nobody can say he’s unhappy about that. But what is the cause?” Mr Oppong Nkrumah asked. “Among other things, quite recently, the IMF has quite clearly explained part of what is happening, that the government has dumped about 1.4 billion dollars from our dollar reserves onto the market.”

He continued, “If a country has $1.4 billion of dollar reserves to dump onto the market to help its currency appreciate, two questions must be asked. The first, where did those reserves come from? And the second, how sustainable is it?”

He claimed that the government was using reserves inherited from the previous administration: “It is a matter of fact that in the six months of this administration, it has not generated $1.4 billion in terms of new additions to our gross international reserves.

The truth is that at the point of inheriting power, the previous administration had left over $8 billion of international reserves, part of which the new administration has drawn and dumped onto the market.”

Mr Oppong Nkrumah also criticised the government’s flagship programmes, saying, “They even announced recently that they have signed a contract to send over 2,000 Ghanaians to work abroad. We all know that no money has been released for these programmes, and so there are no real beneficiaries on the ground. So this argument of fiscal discipline that you want to tout as rhetoric, we encourage our colleagues, is not backed by the numbers.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, also weighed in, urging colleagues to understand the economic principles at play.

“Is it true that inflation has improved? It has improved,” he admitted. “And so if you see prices going up, when they say inflation is low, it doesn’t mean prices are coming down. It simply means that the rate at which prices are going up has slowed down. He didn’t talk about disinflation. He didn’t talk about deflation. He said inflation is lowering. And that is a fact.”

On the performance of the cedi, he added: “Year-on-year, it is doing well. And to say that it has not translated, there’s something you call lag in economics, the lag or the transmission mechanism.”

He concluded that efforts must now shift toward job creation: “Having attained these positive indices, the next thing we should be looking at is how we can translate that to create jobs for the people of Ghana.”

In response, the Walewale MP, Dr Kabiru Mohammed, warned that the current appreciation of the cedi may be based on temporary interventions by the Bank of Ghana.

“Mr Speaker, one of the reasons that we are experiencing the appreciation of the cedi is fiscal policy. We admit that it contributes. But we have been reminding this government that much of the impact is due to Bank of Ghana’s direct intervention in the market, which is antithetical to the free liberal market we are operating,” he said.

“When you inject the dollar into the Ghanaian cedi, it creates a false sense that investors will think your cedi is doing well. In the actual case, it is not doing well. And the IMF has actually come to their country and they have mentioned that the Bank of Ghana must stop.”

He further argued that the reported improvement in Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio was not the result of economic growth but rather painful restructuring measures.

“The government has not paid any loan except those who have so agreed to pay. The government has actually contracted more loans. But the debt-to-GDP ratio is declining. Why? Because of the painful decision of Nana Addo Dankwa government to go for the debt restructuring and to go for the IMF support programme,” he said.

According to him, “The government has not done any job about the debt situation. Absolutely nothing. Yet the debt to GDP has moved to 54%. He needed to tell this House that it is decreasing because the government painfully took the debt restructuring programme. The government is gaining this momentum because of the intervention of Nana Akufo-Addo.”

Source: Clara Seshie 

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While speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Minority Leader suggested that Dr. Danquah had been privileged with an appointment over other female MPs, including Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, for what he described as “strange reasons.”

The remarks drew immediate criticism, particularly from Deputy Health Minister-designate Dr. Danquah, who was present in the chamber.

She took strong exception to the comments, calling them “problematic” and demanding that they be expunged from parliamentary records.

Source: Myjoyonline

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This followed disruptions during the December 2024 elections that hindered the final results’ collation.

Over 6,000 eligible voters were anticipated to participate in this electoral contest between Nana Akua Afriyie, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Ewurabena Aubynn, the candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

But for attacks and violence recorded in some polling stations, the election was generally peaceful.

The voting process at the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station was temporarily suspended due to a disturbance.

An unidentified individuals arrived in a pickup vehicle and forcibly entered the premises, despite the presence of law enforcement officers.

Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants overpowered the security detail and initiated an assault on several political figures, including former Member of Parliament and ex-Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson.

Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, later visited the Odorkor Methodist polling station to assess reports of chaos and disturbances in the area.

Accompanied by his entourage, he toured several polling stations within the constituency to monitor the security situation and to help ensure a smooth electoral process.

Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, also visited the constituency and urged calm while condemning the chaos that broke out

At the end of the polls, the NDC’s Ewurabena Aubynn emerged victorious, securing 34,090 votes in the closely contested election.

Her main contender, the NPP’s Nana Akua Afriyie polled 33,881 votes.

This victory marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time in 28 years since the NDC has won the seat which is a stronghold of the NPP.

Below are more photos

Source : Joseph Odotei

Presenting the bill to the House, Mr Iddrisu conceded that the existing structure for awarding government scholarships lacks fairness and transparency, often favouring individuals based on connections rather than merit or genuine need.

The new legislation, he explained, seeks to elevate the Scholarships Secretariat to a full-fledged Authority with broader powers and a renewed mandate to ensure scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and need.

“The policy underpinning this bill is to deal with nepotism and cronyism associated with the award of scholarships,” he stated. “We want to strengthen the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat into an Authority to administer scholarships meritoriously to deserving Ghanaian students. Need will be a defining value of the Ghana Scholarship Authority if established.”

He noted that the envisioned Authority would focus its efforts on supporting disciplines critical to national development, such as science, mathematics, and education.

“The manpower needs of the country and the aspirations of the country if we are emphasising science, mathematics, education will be the preoccupation of the Scholarship Authority,” Mr Iddrisu said. “Largely, Mr Speaker, [this bill is] to respond to the nation’s desire for us to reward merit, whether in need or academic, so that scholarship goes to those who deserve it meritoriously.”

However, Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, while welcoming the intent of the bill, urged the Minister to consider including provisions for decentralising the administration of scholarships.

He argued that centralisation has often restricted access, especially for students from remote or underserved regions.

“It’s not just about meritocracy,” Mr Annoh-Dompreh said. “The previous government, I recall, I made a call for the Scholarships Secretariat to be decentralised, and the previous NPP government set the tone. We shouldn’t just focus on meritocracy or that aspect. We should also focus on decentralising the Scholarships Secretariat. That, for me, will be the trust and the game changer.”

Source: Kwaku Asante

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Mr Kumi, a first-time MP representing the Akwatia Constituency, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, after a brief illness.

The lawmakers remain in shock over the sudden demise of the 40-year-old legislator.

Following news of his passing on Monday, Minority Leader and Tolon MP, Habib Iddrisu, draped his seat in red in a symbolic display of grief.

Although Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, is yet to officially announce the death to the House, the somber mood and appearance of MPs sent a clear message of pain and sadness.

A joint delegation from both the Majority and Minority sides has visited Mr Kumi’s residence at Spintex to commiserate with the bereaved family.

During the visit, it was announced that Afigya Kwabre North MP, Collins Adomako-Mensah, will serve as the liaison between the family and Parliament until the funeral rites are concluded.

The parliamentary seat will remain vacant until a by-election is conducted.

Source: Adomonline.com

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Burning Issues, the former Deputy Energy Minister called for a reconsideration of the sitting schedule, following the sudden death of Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

According to him, MPs who double as party communicators face intense pressure, as they are often required to wake up early for media interviews and continue with official duties throughout the day.

“In addition to weekday pressure and sleepless nights, MPs are expected to visit their constituencies on weekends. The schedule is simply relentless and poses serious health risks,” he explained.

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In a Facebook post, Akufo-Addo said he was devastated by the news of the MP’s passing, which occurred on Monday, July 7, 2025.

“I am devastated to learn of the passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency. The legislator was adored and loved by party faithful and cherished by all who knew or shared acquaintances with him,” he mourned.

The former President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Parliament, and the people of Akwatia.

He also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

“May he find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again.”

Mr. Kumi died after a short illness. He left behind a wife and three children.

Source: Adomonline.com

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 Read Akufo-Addo’s post below:

Reacting to the sudden passing on Monday, July 7, 2025, the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate described the deceased as a loyal patriot.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Bawumia extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

“I have received with sadness the passing of Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP, Akwatia Constituency. Ernest was a loyal patriot. My condolences to the immediate family. May his soul rest in peace,” Dr. Bawumia wrote.

The first-time MP passed away after a short illness. His sudden death has left many in shock, particularly as he was reported to have been active in Parliament just last week.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political colleagues and constituents, with many commending him for his dedication, humility, and service to the people of Akwatia.

Adomonline.com

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Addressing the House in a sombre tone, Minority Leader and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin paid a glowing tribute to the late legislator.

Acknowledging that the passing of the 40-year-old MP was a major blow to Parliament, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the nation, Afenyo-Markin added, “God knows best.”

“I just checked the background of this young man. Born in 1984, he pursued his first degree and, according to public records, went on to attain three additional degrees: an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB in Law, and an MSc in Defence and International Politics. He had previously served as a security manager and was proud to join this chamber,” he said.

Despite his brief tenure in Parliament, colleagues commended him for his diligence, humility, and unwavering sense of duty.

“Mr. Speaker, a lot can be said. But I would want us to relive the credentials he brought to this House. His records both in plenary and at the committee level are profound, though sadly not widely known,” Afenyo-Markin noted.

The Minority Leader, often known for his spirited debates, paused in near silence as he honoured the legacy of a man he described as “a brother.”

“This brother had all that anyone would want to have in a brother. Mr. Speaker, he lived the prayer of this House — I quote: ‘a country of righteousness where none shall wrong his neighbour.’ No one can ever say that, in his few months in this chamber, he was controversial or wronged a colleague,” he stated.

Kumi, he added softly, was a quiet presence who brought joy to the workplace. “He was always there — seeing him every day, happy.”

“Mr. Speaker, this House is aware that we had programmed a number of items for today. It is the prayer of this side of the House, the NPP Minority Caucus of 88 — now, regrettably, 87 — to seek the indulgence of the Leader of the House that today’s proceedings be terminated,” he requested.

Just a few months into his first term, the MP’s passing has left a void in the chamber and in the hearts of many after what colleagues described as a promising, principled entry into public service.

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Details surrounding his death remain unclear, but news of his untimely demise broke on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Mr. Kumi was serving his first term in Parliament, having won the December 7, 2024 election.

He secured the seat for the NPP in a closely contested race marked by allegations of vote buying, irregularities at some polling stations, and heightened political tension in the lead-up to the polls.

Before his death, he was facing a legal action after he disobeyed an interim injunction issued on January 7, which barred him from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia due to an ongoing legal contest over his election.

The injunction was the result of a lawsuit filed by National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate and former Akwatia MP, Henry Boakye-Yiadom, contesting the legitimacy of the election results.

Despite the injunction, Kumi presented himself in Parliament to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.

In February 2025, the Koforidua High Court convicted him for contempt of court, but the ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2025.

The apex court also nullified the execution of a bench warrant that had been issued against the late legislator.

Source: Adomonline.com

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made the announcement at the launch of the Government’s flagship education programme, dubbed the “No Fees Stress Policy” initiative, held at the SDA College of Education in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.

The launch was performed by President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the Minister, one of President Mahama’s enduring legacies would be the introduction of the President’s Scholarship, which targets brilliant students in priority areas such as Science, Mathematics, and Engineering.

“So the President’s Scholarship for Scholarship would honour 10 brilliant students, determined and declared by the West African Examinations Council, as the overall best students in the country,” Mr Iddrisu stated.

“Then the President will absorb them to benefit from his scholarship for his full tenure.”

Touching on the “No Fees Stress Policy,” Mr Iddrisu said it was in fulfilment of President Mahama’s campaign promise to Ghanaians.

Describing President Mahama as a “fountain of honour,” he added, “Today, from that fountain, they will drink with the students in our first-year tertiary public institutions across Ghana.”

He also noted that the policy extends to persons with disabilities, whose fees would be fully paid by the Government.

The Minister disclosed that his Deputy, together with the Chair of the Federation for Disabled People, is working on a roadmap to ensure the smooth disbursement of funds for students with disabilities.

He added that in the next academic year, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) would double its allocation to the Students Loan Trust—from GH₵70 million to GH₵150 million—to support students requiring further financial assistance.

The “No Fees Stress Policy” is aimed at boosting enrollment in the nation’s public tertiary institutions and will provide free tuition for all first-year students.

The event was graced by New Juaben Manhene, Nana Kwaku Boateng III, and New Juabenmanhemaa, Nana Juaben Serwaa III.

Source: GNA

The announcement was made by Majority Leader Mr. Mahama Ayariga when he presented the Business Statement for the seventh week on the floor of the House.

He explained that the additional sittings—including Mondays and Saturdays—will help expedite the processing of Legislative Instruments (LIs) that must mature before the end of the session.

Mr. Ayariga, who also chairs the Business Committee, said the coming week would be packed with ministerial appearances. Fifty-five Ministers of State, along with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, are expected to respond to questions from Members of Parliament.

He added that new Bills may be introduced and, if considered urgent, could be passed through all the required stages in a single sitting, as permitted under Standing Order 160.

He also noted that papers could be laid and committee reports presented for consideration.

“Motions may be debated and their consequential resolutions, if any, taken during the week,” Mr. Ayariga stated. “In accordance with Standing Order 216(2), and subject to Standing Order 67, the Committee submits to the House the order in which business shall be taken.”

During discussions on the Business Statement, the Minority Leader, Mr. Osahene Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, called on the Majority Leader to include a briefing from the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Madam Jean Mensa, regarding the rerun of parliamentary elections in 19 polling stations within the Ablekuma North Constituency.

Parliament’s decision to extend its sitting days comes at a time of growing public interest in the passage of legislative instruments and increased scrutiny of electoral processes, particularly as the House nears the end of its current meeting.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

The protest is in response to the continued detention of Abdul-Wahab Hanan, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).

The NPP has accused EOCO of violating Mr. Hanan’s human rights following his arrest on June 25, 2025, insisting that the conditions of his bail have already been met.

NPP National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, announced the planned march during an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV.

He called on EOCO to arraign Mr. Hanan if he has committed any crime instead of detaining him unjustly.

“If Hanan has done something wrong, put him before a court of law and let him have his day. We will go to the EOCO office together with some MPs, party sympathisers, and executives and ask why. We want to know why he is still being kept in the station when the conditions that you put on him have been met,” he stated.

Mr. Mustapha also criticised what he described as EOCO’s poor communication and punitive conduct, claiming that Mr. Hanan’s bail conditions had already been exceeded.

“The evaluation report that we have far exceeds those bail conditions. When everything was finished, we were calling Raymond Archer and his deputies to come and just go through and grant the young man bail to go home; none of them picked up their phone calls. So, he has been left there as punishment for exactly what we do not know,” he added.

Mr. Hanan and his wife were arrested over alleged financial crimes during his tenure at NAFCO.

While his wife has since been granted bail set at GHS30 million, Mr. Hanan remains in custody and is yet to fully satisfy the conditions of his GHS60 million bail.

Source: Adomonline.com

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This followed the presentation of the facility to the House on Tuesday, July 1, by Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Asuogyaman, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.

The facility is aimed at enhancing citizens’ livelihoods, boosting economic growth, maintaining macroeconomic stability, curbing inflation, and supporting the country’s ongoing economic recovery efforts.

While the Finance Committee recommended the approval, Ranking Member on the Committee on Economy and Development, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, criticised the move, accusing the government of using semantics to obscure what he described as a loan agreement.

The approval came after the House adopted the Finance Committee’s report on the proposed funding arrangement.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, the MP said someone with Asiedu Nketia’s political experience should know better.

“Asiedu Nketia has done politics for long. He should be the one showing us the right thing. You don’t go around accusing the EC of being incompetent while you are the ones creating the problems” he said.

He warned that if these tensions are not properly addressed, it could lead to dangerous consequences for the country’s democracy.

“If this issue is not resolved, it can bring bigger problems. Every government may want to have their own EC, and that’s not good for democracy.”

Commenting on the possibility of a petition to the presidency for the removal of the EC Chair, Jean Mensa, he said:

“With what they are doing and saying, it won’t be shocking at all. But even if it gets there, I hope the judges and the committee that may look into the issue will rise to the occasion and serve the interest of the nation.”

He also alleged that the NDC has a history of pushing for the removal of key figures in state institutions.

“Their actions show that they will even be behind removing the EC Chair, just like they did to the Chief Justice.”

Baffour Awuah added that Ghanaians are closely observing the behaviour of the NDC and will respond at the right time.

“Ghanaians are watching Asiedu Nketia and his NDC people who are eager to see the removal of the EC. But when the time for elections comes, they will show you where power truly lies.”

His reaction follows Asiedu Nketia’s recent press briefing in which he described the EC’s leadership as unfit for purpose and demanded their removal, citing a pattern of alleged electoral mismanagement.

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Speaking at the opening of a two-day national workshop under the theme “Promoting Human and Children’s Rights: What Role for the Ninth Parliament of Ghana?”, Mr. Anim described the gathering not as a mere dialogue, but “a call to commitment, a moment of reflection, engagement, and decisive action.”

He commended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for his “visionary leadership” in establishing the Committee, which he said signals Parliament’s determination to place human rights at the heart of national governance.

“Our mandate is not merely a formal obligation; it is an active duty,” he stressed.

Mr. Anim outlined the Committee’s responsibilities, including legislative scrutiny, oversight of government compliance, and direct engagement with civil society and vulnerable communities.

Highlighting the Committee’s recent work, he noted visits to Nsawam Prison to assess conditions, engagements with the Ghana Prison Service on the treatment of vulnerable detainees, and a study visit to The Gambia to investigate the plight of stateless Ghanaians.

“This has galvanised us to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to craft a national strategy to address statelessness,” he revealed.

He also disclosed upcoming plans to assess conditions in witch camps, mental health institutions, and refugee communities across the country.

Mr. Anim urged his fellow Members of Parliament to move beyond lawmaking and embrace their duty as advocates for the voiceless.

“We are the voice for the vulnerable — children at risk, young girls trapped in early marriages, victims of trafficking, detainees, and stateless persons,” he said.

He further called on development partners and civil society actors to continue their collaboration, concluding:
“Let us embrace our historic responsibility — to be Parliamentarians who protect, empower, and deliver justice and hope.”

He dismissed objections raised by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who claimed the Minority side had not endorsed the document.

The ruling followed heated exchanges on the floor over procedural fairness and the integrity of the vetting process.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had opposed the report’s presentation, insisting it lacked his side’s signatures and accusing the Committee of sidelining their inputs.

However, Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, countered that the Minority’s preliminary written comments had already been incorporated.

He revealed that Afenyo-Markin had submitted a last-minute request for further revisions this morning, which he deemed procedurally untenable.

After all these, the Speaker concluded that the report was duly prepared and vetted.

According to him, he is aware of what transpired prior to the report presentation, explaining that “you even sought my assistance in some of these matters in my conference room, and went through them together.”

“We thought we had settled them. Now they are being rehashed. I don’t think that is proper. When we are talking about a report of a committee, we are talking about the whole committee. We are not talking about individuals in certain things to suit their understanding of a report of the committee.”

Alban Bagbin added that the Minority will still have the opportunity to present its other concerns regarding the report when it’s laid before the house.

“Whatever you have to say, you can say it here on the floor as part of your contributions to the deliberations of the house. I will give you enough time to say it. We cannot expect the report to capture everything.

“Please. You will not be prevented from saying what you want to say. But when we talk about the report, we are talking about the report capturing the decision of the whole committee. That is what we are looking at. So please, I think the report is properly before the House and it will be presented. And it will be taken by this house today.”

Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the petition filed against Supreme Court nominee, Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo, describing it as baseless and a threat to democratic stability.

The last-minute petition, submitted by a self-styled human rights activist, Anthony Kwabenya Rau, to Parliament’s Appointments Committee, resulted in the postponement of the nominee’s vetting on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The petitioner alleged judicial bias and misconduct by Justice Ackaah-Boafo in a 2019 court case involving the DVLA. Rau claimed the judge “insulted and attacked” him, labelling him a “so‑called ‘Messiah’ international Human Rights Activist” and questioning his legal standing in Ghana.

However, the Appointments Committee dismissed the petition on Friday, June 20, declaring it “frivolous, vexatious, and a complete abuse of process.” Committee Chairman Bernard Ahiafor cited Article 127(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which bars legal action against judges for acts performed in their judicial capacity.

Afenyo-Markin commended the committee’s decision and warned that entertaining such petitions could undermine constitutional bodies and democratic integrity.

“I am in agreement with the views you’ve expressed for and on behalf of this committee. Indeed, as a country, we need to veer off from trivialities and situations where we subject people’s reputations to undue public ridicule,” he said.

“I am happy that this committee has boldly stood up for democracy and the rule of law in helping deal with matters as frivolous as what came before us.”

He also raised concerns about the precedent being set by legitimising weak and unsubstantiated petitions, citing the ongoing suspension of the Chief Justice as a cautionary example.

“If you look at the ongoing trial of the Chief Justice, we have one Daniel Ofori, who refers to a judgment which the CJ was involved in as a basis for attacking the woman and calling for her removal.

“If you also read Yakubu Akolgo Ayanga, similar frivolous allegations are made that the Chief Justice made certain pronouncements against him in open court. Unfortunately, these two scenarios have been deemed to constitute a prima facie case amounting to misconduct, justifying an enquiry into the conduct of a Chief Justice—and the Chief Justice is on suspension as a result,” he noted.

Responding to public backlash over the minority’s posture during the vetting, Afenyo-Markin appealed for broader public understanding of their constitutional responsibilities.

“My second comment has to do with feedback from certain quarters regarding the minority’s stance on some of the issues that have come up as part of this vetting. I would want to pray that the public appreciates where we are coming from.

“We are not here to get personal; we are here to deal with the law and issues of public policy and good governance,” he added.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Appiah-Kubi said he was not surprised by the development, insisting that the turnout of MPs did not necessarily reflect genuine support for Dr. Bawumia.

“I was not surprised at all. The fact that many people were there doesn’t mean they all support him.”

On Thursday, June 20, about 67 NPP MPs visited Dr. Bawumia at his office in Accra to formally declare their support for his presidential bid.

However, Mr. Appiah-Kubi believes many of them attended only out of obligation or pressure.

“Some of the MPs told me personally that the meeting was cosmetic. They were called and told that Dr. Bawumia wanted to meet them. At that point, you can’t say no. But that doesn’t mean they support him” he said.

The former lawmaker added that political optics often mislead the public, recalling a similar incident involving Kennedy Agyapong years ago.

“I remember when Kennedy Agyapong also called on some MPs while seeking to be flagbearer. Many went to meet him, even though they didn’t support him—and Ken himself knew this,” he said.

According to Mr. Appiah-Kubi, more than half of the MPs who showed up at Dr. Bawumia’s meeting do not actually back him.

“If you say that all those people support him, then you don’t understand the work of a politician. Most of them only went because they were called to join the group” he stressed.

He said he had personally spoken to at least four MPs who confirmed they did not back the Vice President but joined the meeting out of political courtesy.

“The truth is hard for Ghanaians. People are afraid to speak openly, so they follow the crowd even when they don’t believe in it. That’s what is pulling us back” he said.

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Collation was stalled due to security concerns following disruptions at the constituency’s collation centre during the 2024 general elections. The Ghana Police Service is currently awaiting advice from the Attorney General’s Department on how best to secure the collation process.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the EC’s Deputy Chairperson in charge of Corporate Affairs, Dr. Bossman Asare, stated that the Commission is not yet at the point of declaring the election inconclusive.

“So, for Ablekuma North, we have not reached the point where we will say we don’t have the results. When we try and we cannot get the results, that is when we will resort to the re-run. The re-run will be a last option,” Dr. Asare explained.

Tensions between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have further complicated the collation process, with both parties contesting the incomplete outcome.

The EC maintains that its current position is to complete collation from the three outstanding polling stations under police protection before considering any re-run—a move it describes as a last resort.

In a related development, Dr. Asare disclosed that the Commission spent GHS 3.6 million on reprinting presidential ballots and GHS 2.4 million on parliamentary ballots for the Eastern and Western Regions during the 2024 general elections. He underscored the financial burden of potential reruns.

Addressing procurement concerns, the EC also dismissed claims that it breached any laws in reprinting the ballots following a reported leakage.

Dr. Asare told Parliament that the Commission acted lawfully and obtained the necessary approvals from the Central Tender Review Committee (CTRC).

“There was no breach of the procurement law. The Commission wrote the CTRC on the 2nd of December, and the elections were supposed to take place on 7th December,” he clarified.

The EC continues to urge calm and patience from the public as it works with stakeholders to resolve the impasse in Ablekuma North and safeguard electoral transparency and integrity.

Speaking to JoyNews, Mr Dafeamekpor dismissed allegations that the current Minority leadership is not being afforded the same latitude as their predecessors in questioning during committee proceedings.

“So to suggest that the latitude given to former Minority Leaders to ask questions is no longer available to the Minority Leader or Minority members on the committee is absolutely falsehood,” Mr Dafeamekpor stated.

He further asserted that not only has the Minority been granted a fair platform to contribute to deliberations, but they are, in fact, being accused of taking liberties with that allowance.

“In fact, we are being accused of being over-indulgent in terms of the latitude granted to the Minority Leader,” he added.

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BY HON. SAMUEL AWUKU

Mr. Speaker,

Thank you for the opportunity to make this statement. I do so on the basis of insights gathered during a recent engagement between some Honourable Members of Parliament and the students and staff of the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf in Mampong. The forum, organised by the Department of Public Engagement and graciously supported by myself, MP for Akuapem North, was an important demonstration of Parliament’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and participatory democracy.

Mr. Speaker, the encounter provided a platform for students living with hearing impairments to interact directly with legislators and provide them with a real world understanding of how parliament works, including ways through which they can actively participate. The session, which featured presentations by several Honourable Members – including Hon. Fred Agbenyo, Hon. Edem Agbana, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Hon. Shirley Kyei, and Hon. Wallace Pele – was inspiring and enlightening in equal measure.

More importantly, it highlighted critical concerns and thoughtful proposals made by the students and their teachers. These require Parliament’s attention, inclusive responses, and in some cases, targeted deliberate intervention.

Mr. Speaker, the first and most pressing issue raised by the students was the absence of a dedicated legislative framework for deaf education in Ghana.

Currently, the only Senior High Technical School for the Deaf in the country functions without a law that secures its future through guaranteed funding, policy direction, and institutional support.

This gap leaves the school vulnerable to inconsistent budgetary allocations, administrative neglect, and limited infrastructural development.

Such legislation, Mr. Speaker, would do more than fund a school; it would serve as a national commitment to inclusivity, equity, and sustainable educational development for a marginalised group of our population, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education): Target 4.5 which aims to eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations, by 2030.

Mr. Speaker, the second matter of concern is infrastructure. The school currently operates from two physically separated campuses – North and South.

This setup forces students to cross busy roads several times a day, risking their lives just to access food or attend classes.

Furthermore, students depend on taxis to transport food between the campuses. This unreliable system has often resulted in delays, and in some cases, complete failure to deliver meals, thereby affecting student nutrition and concentration.

An on-site dining hall is recommended to ensure nutrition and eliminate reliance on external logistics.

Mr. Speaker, the recommendation for a centralised and accessible learning environment, complete with an on-site dining facility, must be taken up by the Ministry of Education with support from Parliament.

Mr. Speaker, the third issue relates to the inadequacy of the current national curriculum in addressing the needs of deaf learners.

Teachers explained that most lessons have to be repeated multiple times due to comprehension delays, and that current assessment structures do not account for the unique learning methods required by hearing-impaired students.

As such, the students proposed a comprehensive review of the National Curriculum for Deaf Learners to incorporate:

• Sign language-based instructional materials;
• Visual learning tools;
• Simplified content structures;
• Extended teaching and assessment time.

Additionally, they recommended the recruitment and training of more sign language interpreters, the provision of learning aids, and specialised professional development for teachers in deaf education.

Mr. Speaker, Parliament must take steps to ensure that inclusive education becomes a practical reality rather than a theoretical aspiration. We must empower and urge the Ghana Education Service to work with curriculum experts and disability advocates to revise content, pedagogy, and assessment methods.

Another area of concern, Mr. Speaker, is the systemic exclusion of deaf individuals from Ghana’s justice system.

Deaf persons have encounter difficulties in attempting to report crimes, defend themselves, or pursue justice due to the absence of trained interpreters at police stations and in courtrooms.

This gap is a violation of basic human rights and goes against the country’s pursuit of achieving Target 10.2 of SDG Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) which aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all people, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or other status by 2030.

Parliament must, therefore, clarify and enforce the responsibility of state institutions, especially the Ghana Police Service and the Judicial Service, to provide qualified sign language interpreters during legal and investigative proceedings involving deaf individuals.

The students also highlighted the need for disability-sensitive civic and legal education. Many are unaware of their constitutional rights or the legal channels available to them.

Mr. Speaker, Parliament must champion the development of civic education programs tailored to students with disabilities. These should be implemented through the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and mainstreamed across the country.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most progressive proposals made at the forum was for Parliament to formally recognise Ghanaian Sign Language as a national language. The students argued, quite rightly, that such recognition would affirm their identity, improve public understanding, and promote greater national cohesion as done in South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Portugal, Paraguay among other countries.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – Article 21 calls on states to recognize and promote the use of sign languages. This includes accepting and facilitating the use of sign languages, Braille, and other accessible means of communication in official interactions.

Parliament must explore legislative options and possibly constitutional amendments to recognise Ghanaian Sign Language, integrate it into the basic education system, and expand sign language training across public institutions.

Mr. Speaker, the role of educators in deaf education cannot be overstated. Teachers at the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf provide not only academic instruction but emotional and psychological support to their students.

Yet, they do this under challenging conditions – without specialised allowances and often with inadequate accommodation. The students called for an “emotional allowance” for their teachers similar to that provided to village teachers. They also urged authorities to expand staff accommodation to boost morale and performance.

Parliament must give serious consideration to these recommendations. Incentivising and retaining skilled educators in special needs schools is essential to bridging the inclusion gap in our educational system.

Mr. Speaker, in light of these concerns, Parliament has a vital role to play in transforming policy into practice. I respectfully propose the following interventions:

First, Parliament should refer this statement and its recommendations to a joint sitting of the Committees on Education; Gender, Children and Social Protection; and Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.

Second, Parliament must advocate for the introduction of a Public Bill or Private Member Bill that provides for:

• Dedicated funding streams for deaf education;
• Clear national standards for curriculum, staffing, and infrastructure;
• Legal obligations for inclusive service delivery across sectors.

Third, Parliament should exercise its oversight mandate to ensure that resources allocated under the District Assemblies Common Fund for Persons with Disabilities are equitably distributed and directly benefit institutions like the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf, School for the blind and others.

Fourth, Parliament should urge the Ministry of Education to conduct an infrastructure audit of all special needs schools and submit a plan for campus upgrades and staff housing projects.

Fifth, a motion should be introduced mandating all public legal and justice institutions to provide accessible legal services for the deaf, including sign language interpretation.

Finally, Parliament should request an annual report from the Ministry of Education on the status of special needs education in Ghana, with specific data on student enrolment, curriculum delivery, teacher retention, and infrastructure conditions.

Mr. Speaker, the students of the Senior High Technical School for the Deaf in Mampong are not asking for sympathy. They are asking for fairness and equity. They are not demanding special treatment. They are demanding equal opportunity.

Let us, as a House, respond to their call with urgency, empathy, and resolve. Let this House be remembered as the Parliament that listened not just with its ears, but with its conscience.

May this House be remembered as the house that moved beyond its comfort zone to put smiles on the faces of these deaf students.

May the deliberations that follow bring about real change, not just for the students who spoke – but for all marginalised communities in Ghana.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity.

His advocacy follows an engagement between students and Members of Parliament (MPs), organised by the Department of Public Engagement with support from Mr. Awuku.

The session featured presentations from several MPs including Fred Agbenyo (Guan), Edem Agbana (Ketu North), Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (Ofoase-Ayirebi), Shirley Kyei (Atwima Nwabiagya South), and Wallace Pele (Afram Plains North).

Briefing Parliament on the outcome, Mr. Awuku described the event as a step towards inclusive dialogue and participatory democracy.

He highlighted major concerns, including the absence of a legislative framework for deaf education, poor infrastructure, and the need for a curriculum tailored to the needs of hearing-impaired learners. He also raised alarm over student safety due to the school’s split-campus layout, which forces them to cross busy roads daily.

“The only Senior High Technical School for the Deaf in the country operates without any legal framework to secure its future through guaranteed funding, policy direction, or institutional support. This leaves the school vulnerable to inconsistent funding, administrative neglect, and limited infrastructure,” Mr. Awuku told Parliament.

He stressed that the students are not asking for sympathy, but for fairness and equal opportunities.

To that end, Mr. Awuku proposed that Parliament refer the matter to relevant committees, including Education, Gender, Children and Social Protection, and Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, to consider a bill that would ensure dedicated funding, qualified staff, and improved infrastructure for special needs institutions.

He also supported calls for Ghanaian Sign Language to be formally recognised nationwide, advocating for reforms that guarantee the presence of interpreters in courts and police stations to ensure access to justice for the hearing impaired.

Mr. Awuku underscored that such legislation would go beyond supporting a single school, representing instead a national commitment to inclusivity, equity, and sustainable development.

“This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on Quality Education, particularly Target 4.5, which aims to eliminate disparities and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups,” he noted.

The former Director-General of the National Lottery Authority expressed confidence that with the backing of Parliament, sustainable and lasting solutions can be implemented to uplift marginalised communities across Ghana.

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The dramatic halt follows the last-minute submission of a petition to Parliament’s Appointments Committee, alleging judicial bias and misconduct against the nominee.

This unprecedented delay puts Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s elevation to Ghana’s highest court — which typically comprises around 15 active Justices and frequently sits in panels of five to nine — in immediate limbo. The petition has since been referred to Speaker Alban Bagbin for urgent action.

The complaint was lodged by Anthony Kwabenya Rau, who identifies himself as an “international human rights activist”. He accuses Justice Ackaah-Boafo of displaying extreme bias and using inappropriate language during proceedings at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) courts.

According to the petition, Mr Rau claims the judge “insulted and attacked” him in court, branding him a “so-called ‘Messiah’ international human rights activist” and questioning his right to represent clients in Ghana.

He also alleges that Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s written judgement included personal insults, which he interprets as evidence of bias and corruption.

The petition describes the judge as “arrogant, biased, power-drunk, an abuser of human rights, and supportive of corruption.”

Mr Rau warned in his submission: “For me, he will be a disaster at the Supreme Court if approved — for the international and national interest of the Republic. These are my reasons to petition the vetting committee not to approve this particular judge.”

He further raised concerns about Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s cultural grounding, referencing his Canadian background and alleged disrespect toward the 67-year-old petitioner, which he believes violates local customs on age-based respect.

Mr Rau also questioned the judge’s conduct in a case involving the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, alleging that he refused to grant interest payments shortly before his promotion to the Court of Appeal by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.

Sources close to Justice Ackaah-Boafo have strongly denied the allegations, describing the petition as baseless. While disappointed by the vetting’s delay, they say the judge remains composed and ready to appear before the committee once the process resumes.

The allegations stand in contrast to recent public commendations of Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s character and professional integrity.

Parliament’s Standing Orders (Order 99) require that petitions received by the Appointments Committee be investigated within 30 days to determine whether they are frivolous or vexatious.

The referral to Speaker Bagbin signals the gravity of the matter, and his response is expected to shape the path forward.

This controversy brings renewed focus to the balance between judicial independence and accountability in the appointment of Ghana’s top judges.

As the nation awaits the Speaker’s decision, the fate of Justice Ackaah-Boafo’s nomination — and possibly the future tone of Supreme Court vettings — hangs in the balance.