She says the government is prepared to respond to questions raised by the Minority once the evacuation process is fully concluded.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Hajia Alimatu Issahak said the last flight carrying evacuated Ghanaians arrived in the country last Thursday, suggesting that the Minority should allow the government time to compile and provide the necessary information.

“The last flight came last Thursday, so the Minority should relax. The questions they are asking, the appropriate responses will be provided,” she said.

Her comments come after the Minority demanded a detailed breakdown of the reported GH¢49.7 million spent by government to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.

The Minority has questioned the evacuation figures and expenditure and has invoked the Right to Information (RTI) process to obtain supporting documents.

She further accused the NPP of becoming particularly vocal about accountability after moving into opposition but insisted that the NDC government has nothing to hide.

“We know the NPP suddenly knows about accountability after going into opposition but we in the NDC as part of our reset agenda have nothing to hide and will provide responses to all their concerns,” she said.

Hajia Alimatu Issahak cautioned against rushing to conclusions over the evacuation expenditure, stressing that both the country’s interests and accountability remained important to the government.

“We should not be in a haste to condemn or collapse. The country is important to us likewise accountability, because our integrity is important to us,” she added.

The Minority’s concerns follow Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s disclosure that government spent GH¢49.7 million to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa amid the xenophobic attacks.

The Minority has since demanded documentary evidence to support both the number of evacuees and the expenditure, while government has maintained that the appropriate information will be provided.

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• ‘NPP should stop being hypocritical’ – Nukpenu fires over demand for evacuation cost

The two-term Member of Parliament for North Dayi and Chair of Ghana’s Young Parliamentarians has been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Co-Rapporteur for the Conference Outcome Document, alongside Senator Alisher Sadullaev of Uzbekistan.

The conference brought together about 100 young parliamentarians from 50 countries to deliberate on the theme of reclaiming human rights, justice and dignity in an increasingly turbulent world.

The Outcome Document is expected to capture the collective concerns, commitments and priorities of young parliamentarians from across the globe and translate them into a shared parliamentary agenda.

Speaking during the presentation of the document, Ms Quashie highlighted the devastating impact of conflicts on young people and women.

She called for greater protection of education, healthcare and livelihoods, while stressing the responsibility of parliaments to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law.

She also raised concerns about growing challenges in the digital space, including online violence and harassment.

“Technology must be a tool for empowerment, opportunity and inclusion, not an avenue for the violation of people’s rights. We therefore called for stronger protection against online violence and harassment, greater accountability from technology platforms and improved digital literacy,” she said.

Ms Quashie further drew attention to the threat of climate change, describing the protection of the planet as critical to the future of humanity.

“Another critical part of our existence is a safe and healthy planet. We need to protect today for tomorrow,” she said, emphasising that young people must have a meaningful voice in climate-related decisions and that intergenerational justice must remain central to global action.

The conference also examined young people’s participation in politics, the protection of parliamentarians from threats and violations, violence against women in politics, decent work, skills development and parliamentary action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ms Quashie’s role at the conference provides Ghana with an opportunity to contribute to and influence discussions on issues affecting young people at the global parliamentary level.

She stressed the importance of bringing Ghana’s voice to the international platform.

“Human rights, justice and dignity cannot be taken for granted. They must be defended, advanced and made real in the lives of our people,” she said.

Following the conference, young parliamentarians are expected to take the lessons and commitments from Samarkand back to their respective parliaments and work towards translating them into meaningful action.

The 2026 IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians was hosted by the Parliament of Uzbekistan and the IPU Bureau of Young Parliamentarians.

The document has generated significant public interest, particularly following reports questioning its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding the allegations contained in it.

In a statement, Parliament said it considers allegations involving payments allegedly connected to the work of a parliamentary committee, particularly the Appointments Committee, a matter that requires proper scrutiny.

It also expressed concern over the possibility that the document may have been fabricated and falsely attributed to the MP in a manner that could undermine public confidence in Parliament and its processes.

“Parliament wishes to state that it has not independently verified the authenticity of the memorandum and will therefore not, at this stage, make any determination as to the truth or otherwise of the competing claims,” the statement said.

Parliament, however, noted reports that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced investigations into the matter.

The Rt. Hon. Speaker has welcomed the investigation and urged the OSP to pursue it thoroughly and expeditiously to establish both the authenticity of the memorandum and the veracity of the claims contained in it.

“Parliament stands ready to extend the necessary cooperation to the Office of the Special Prosecutor and any other competent investigative authority in the lawful discharge of its mandate,” the statement added.

Parliament further said that should investigations establish that the memorandum was fabricated or falsely attributed to Patricia Appiagyei, the matter should not end with that finding.

According to Parliament, the appropriate investigative authorities should enlist the assistance of the Cyber Security Authority and other relevant law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible for creating and circulating the alleged false document.

It said where the evidence warrants, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law.

“The fabrication and deliberate circulation of documents purporting to emanate from Members or offices of Parliament would constitute a serious assault on the integrity and reputation of the institution,” Parliament stated.

The institution has consequently urged the public, media and other stakeholders to exercise caution in sharing the document or drawing definitive conclusions until its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding it have been properly established.

Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the integrity of its processes, including the work of the Appointments Committee.

It said the Speaker remains determined to ensure that the facts of the matter are established and that appropriate consequences follow in accordance with the law.

Appiagyei, who is also MP for Asokwa in Kumasi, told Graphic Online that the document, which surfaced on Friday morning, September 4, 2026, was not genuine.

The memo alleged that Appiagyei turned down the money because she did not know its source.

The controversy follows the Minority Caucus’s boycott of the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees on August 27, 2026, over what they called a rushed and compressed timetable.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the process denied Parliament sufficient time for scrutiny and public input, and called for the sitting to be suspended so the required 14-day notice period could be observed.

He also questioned the urgency, noting the Supreme Court already had a full bench of Justices.

Afenyo-Markin raised nine procedural objections and led Minority members of the vetting committee to walk out after the committee chairperson, Bernard Ahiafor, rejected the objections as flimsy, hollow and baseless.

Ahiafor said any MP unhappy with a decision of the House should use the procedures in Parliament’s Standing Orders to seek a reversal, adding that he would not preside over the committee and unilaterally vary a decision taken by the full House.

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His comments come after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP rejected the money and raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the payment.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Barker-Vormawor said the development reminded him of his earlier comments about Parliament’s Appointments Committee, which he said were based on information he knew to be true.

“When I made my comments about the Appointments Committee based on actual truth that those on Committee not only knew to be true but also that I knew to be true.

“What broke my heart most were the insults of the very Ghanaians whose interests I was speaking for. I couldn’t believe how much lack of support I received for something so plain as day.

“Till today, there are people who actually believe that I made those claims up.

“When you keep pretending your dead mother is alive; soon the smell will lead termites to your room.

“But just watch! Watch to see if any real inquiry will happen. Watch to see if this scandal will be enough to stop the confirmation of the appointment of the Judges to interrogate anything? It will be swept away and we will move on as a people.

“Soon they will start insulting and persecuting the MP instead of actually dealing with the problem. That’s how it has always been. From Ayariga, to Ablakwa to Barker-Vormawor and now Patricia Appiagyei.

“This is how it has always been.

“Maybe one day they themselves will start telling truths about what really happened at the Public Accounts Committee too.

“But for today, I say Vindication is really in the womb of time.”

Mr Barker-Vormawor’s post comes amid growing public discussion over the payment and questions surrounding alleged financial inducements linked to parliamentary vetting.

The controversy has also renewed scrutiny of the work of Parliament’s Appointments Committee and calls for greater transparency in the vetting and confirmation of public officials.

When I made my comments about the Appointments Committee based on actual truth that those on Committee not only knew to be true but also that I knew to be true.

What broke my heart most were the insults of the very Ghanaians whose interests I was speaking for. I couldn’t… pic.twitter.com/fn4HwrFZ8n

— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) September 4, 2026

The exercise, undertaken in collaboration with UNICEF Ghana, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), seeks to gather firsthand information on challenges affecting children to inform parliamentary oversight and future legislative action.

The team, led by the Committee Chairman and Member of Parliament for Kumawu, Ernest Yaw Anim, interacted with community leaders, social welfare officers, law enforcement agencies, students and other stakeholders.

At Jato in the Suhum Municipality, discussions focused on child trafficking, child labour, early and forced marriage, and other forms of exploitation affecting children.

The Committee Chairman, Ernest Yaw Anim, called for dedicated budgetary allocations for child protection across all districts, stressing the need to adequately resource social welfare structures to enable them to effectively monitor and respond to cases involving vulnerable children.

He also called for stronger parental responsibility and improved coordination among families, communities, traditional authorities and institutions responsible for child welfare.

A representative of UNICEF Ghana, Pauliina Starvilahti, stressed the need for proper allocation and effective use of resources to make support services more accessible to children.

She also called for a review of policies to facilitate the work of duty bearers in protecting children’s rights, noting that Ghana is on the right track but could achieve better results if the necessary structures and policies are strengthened.

For ACEPA, Issifu Lampo expressed concern about weak enforcement against perpetrators of child abuse and inadequate support for victims.

He called for the retooling and resourcing of social welfare departments to enable them to effectively protect vulnerable children and respond to reported cases.

At Kwasi Kamfo in the Abuakwa South Municipality, the Member of Parliament for the area, Dr Kingsley Agyemang, appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to increase the number of LEAP beneficiaries to provide greater support for vulnerable children.

He also raised concerns about the influx of foreign teenagers into some mining communities, allegedly for illegal mining and prostitution, warning that some of these young people may be trafficked without knowing their destination or the nature of work they would be engaged in.

Dr Agyemang therefore called on security agencies to intensify monitoring and enforcement in mining communities to protect children from trafficking, exploitation and other forms of abuse.

The Parliamentary Committee says information gathered from the exercise will help strengthen child protection mechanisms and guide interventions to safeguard the rights and welfare of children across the country.

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The Asokwa MP said she was uncomfortable accepting the money because she had not been informed of its source.

She also explained that she did not want to receive any financial benefit connected to the vetting of Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Deputy Majority Leader Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings.

In a memorandum dated September 2 and addressed to Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin copied, Mrs Appiagyei instructed that the money be returned to the Majority Chief Whip.

“It is with regret that I return the amount of seventy thousand cedis (GH¢70,000.00) allocated to me as an advance of money from the Majority Chief Whip of Parliament of Ghana. I am returning the money on the basis of the fact that, primarily, I do not know the source of the money being given to me,” she stated.

She further explained that her decision was consistent with the Minority Caucus’ position on the ongoing vetting process involving three Supreme Court nominees.

“It is also not my intention to extort any money from any of the above judges,” she added.

Mrs Appiagyei reaffirmed her support for the Minority Caucus’ position and noted that her decision mirrored that of Mr Afenyo-Markin, who had also returned the money allocated to him.

The development comes amid the Minority’s boycott of the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees after the Caucus objected to the procedure adopted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.

The nominees are Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Forson Jnr.

Minority members walked out of the committee proceedings on August 27, citing what they described as inadequate notice for the vetting.

Mr Afenyo-Markin had earlier challenged the procedure, arguing that the committee had departed from established parliamentary practice.

“The procedure that has been adopted is at variance with the orders of the House. How can you ask us to vet Supreme Court judges with three days’ notice?” he queried.

He maintained that nominees should be given adequate notice before the vetting process.

“The standard practice is to give fourteen days’ notice, advertise in the newspapers before the vetting is done,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also referred to concerns previously raised by then Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson over a similar process involving Supreme Court nominees.

He stressed that the Minority’s objection was directed at the procedure and not the nominees themselves.

“To the nominees, we are not against your nomination; we are against the procedure, and we cannot be part of this,” he said.

Mrs Appiagyei’s decision to return the GH¢70,000 adds another dimension to the Minority’s objections, with the MP citing both the uncertainty surrounding the source of the funds and her unwillingness to personally benefit from the parliamentary process.

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The petition was received on behalf of the Minority by the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei.

The Coalition is demanding three key measures: the immediate recruitment of qualified unemployed graduates with disabilities on its verified list; strict enforcement of the employment quota for persons with disabilities in public sector recruitment; and the introduction of incentives for private sector employers who hire qualified persons with disabilities.

In a statement, the Minority described the concerns raised by the Coalition as legitimate and grounded in Ghana’s constitutional and legal framework.

It cited Article 29 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees protection for persons with disabilities against exploitation and discrimination and mandates Parliament to enact laws to safeguard their rights.

The Minority noted that Parliament subsequently passed the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), which requires the State, through public employment centres, to assist persons with disabilities into employment.

The Act also provides for tax rebates and other incentives for private and public employers who engage persons with disabilities.

According to the Minority, Article 17 of the Constitution further allows Parliament to pursue affirmative measures aimed at addressing social and economic imbalances.

It said the Coalition’s demands therefore provide an opportunity for Parliament to strengthen existing measures and bridge the gap between legal protections and the lived experiences of persons with disabilities.

The Minority reaffirmed its commitment to championing policies that create meaningful employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and enable them to contribute fully to national development.

It commended the Coalition for pursuing its concerns through parliamentary channels and assured its members that the petition would receive the necessary attention.

The Minority said it remains committed to working towards a Ghana where “ability, competence and determination, not disability, define one’s access to opportunity.”

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, August 27, following Mr Agalga’s assumption of office, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would approach the new Majority Leader with cooperation rather than confrontation.

He explained that the Minority’s role was not simply to oppose the government but to provide alternative perspectives and scrutinise decisions to help secure better outcomes for the country.

“I am saying that you can find in me a friend. My job is not to obstruct you. My job is to offer a different lens to things you may not see,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, however, drew a line between constructive collaboration and attempts to weaken the Minority Caucus, warning Mr Agalga against interfering with the cohesion of his side of the House.

“But please, James, as you come, don’t attempt to infiltrate my back,” he added.

Mr Agalga formally assumed the Majority Leader position after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communicated changes to the leadership of its Parliamentary Caucus to Speaker Alban Bagbin.

The leadership change followed the nomination of former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Mr Agalga now leads the NDC Parliamentary Caucus, while Mr Afenyo-Markin remains Minority Leader.

The exchange between the two leaders sets the tone for their working relationship in Parliament, with Mr Afenyo-Markin signalling his readiness to cooperate while insisting that the independence and unity of the Minority Caucus must be protected.

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His elevation follows a formal communication from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to Speaker Alban Bagbin, notifying him of changes to the leadership of the party’s Parliamentary Caucus.

The reshuffle became necessary after former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga was nominated to serve as Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Mr Agalga, who now leads the Majority Caucus, has pledged to adopt a collaborative and consensus-building approach in Parliament.

He said he would engage the Minority on matters requiring consultation and compromise to enable the House to effectively discharge its legislative and oversight responsibilities.

Addressing Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and his colleagues, Mr Agalga assured them of his willingness to work across the aisle while pursuing the government’s agenda.

“We can make compromises as and when necessary. And I assure you, I’ll give it to you. I would reach out, I would consult, but at the same time, I would work to ensure that the Reset Agenda of our President is accomplished for the betterment of all of us,” he said.

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Ayariga, who previously served as Majority Leader and Chairman of Parliament’s Business Committee, is now the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings takes on the portfolio of Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, covering environmental protection, scientific research, technological development and policies addressing environmental challenges.

The approvals come after their vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee earlier Thursday.

After considering the Appointments Committee’s report on the nominees, the House approved both nominations through a voice vote, with the Speaker declaring that the Ayes had it.

Announcing the decision, Speaker Alban Bagbin said the approval was in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution.

“Honourable Members, the Ayes have it. This Honourable House has accordingly approved the nominations of His Excellency the President of the following persons as Ministers of State in accordance with Article 78(1) of the 1992 Constitution,” he declared.

The approvals form part of President Mahama’s ongoing changes to his ministerial team as his administration seeks to advance its policy agenda in local governance, environmental protection, science and technology.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had earlier called for the vetting to be postponed, arguing that there was no immediate vacancy on the Supreme Court that required the nominees to be considered urgently.

He also questioned the need to proceed with the vetting at this stage and demanded that the nominations be advertised for 14 days before the exercise.

The three nominees are Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah and Justice Edward Amoako Asante, both Justices of the Court of Appeal, and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jr., a former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

However, Mr Ahiafor dismissed the Minority’s concerns, maintaining that the Appointments Committee could not overturn a decision already taken by the full House.

“Plenary has a right to vary the decision of the committee. However, if the House takes a decision, no committee can vary the decision of the House,” he said.

According to him, any member dissatisfied with a decision of Parliament must follow the procedures outlined in the Standing Orders to seek a reversal.

“If you are aggrieved by the decision of the House, the method available for you to reverse that decision is contained in our own Standing Orders,” Mr Ahiafor said.

He stressed that he would not use his position as chairman of the committee to alter a directive issued by the full House.

“I will not preside over this committee and purport to vary the orders or directions or decision taken at the plenary by the entire House,” he said.

“It is not done in any democracy, and I will not be the first to introduce it in Ghana’s democracy.”

Mr Ahiafor also dismissed calls for the committee to adopt a different approach to the Supreme Court nominees compared with other nominees appearing before Parliament.

He said doing so would amount to discrimination against the judicial nominees.

“I will not also preside over this particular committee and discriminate against the judges, allow the vetting of our colleagues and then reject the vetting of the judges’ nominee,” he said.

“I will not do that today. I won’t do that tomorrow.”

He subsequently dismissed the objection raised by the Minority Leader, describing it as lacking merit.

“I therefore consider all grounds of the Minority Leader as flimsy and hollow,” he said.

“I considered his objection to be frivolous, vexatious, unmeritorious, baseless on the facts, the rules and the law. Therefore, I will accordingly dismiss the objection by the Minority Leader.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin immediately challenged the chairman’s decision, arguing that the committee chair did not have the authority to unilaterally dismiss a preliminary objection brought before the committee.

He insisted that he was entitled to respond to the ruling and that the matter should be subjected to a vote for the committee to determine.

“It is the House that the committee must resolve. That is how we take decisions,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

He further maintained that the committee’s Standing Orders did not empower its chairman to independently determine and dismiss the objection.

“If we are talking law, let’s talk law. It is not within your right to say you have ruled,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also argued that even the Speaker relies on decisions of the House when dealing with contentious matters, rather than taking unilateral decisions.

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Minority leader Alexander Afenyo Markin insisted the nominees were being considered to expand the current number of Justices rather than fill empty positions. He argued that there was no vacancy on the Supreme Court bench to justify the urgency.

He said the Minority was opposed to the manner and timeframe within which the vetting was being carried out, not to the vetting itself or to the nominees as individuals.

He challenged the Majority to show what harm would come to the state, the judiciary or litigants if the nominees were given the same level of scrutiny usually applied to Supreme Court nominations.

“These nominations came to the House on Monday. Let us reason together and let us be seen being consistent with our political views. If you want to follow the precedent, please suspend today’s sitting, properly put out the advert as you requested when you were in opposition, and let us wait for the 14 days,” he said.

Afenyo Markin added that the objection was not meant to obstruct the Appointments Committee’s work or embarrass the nominees, but to ensure the process followed parliamentary procedure and constitutional requirements.

Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, however, dismissed the objection as “flimsy,” “hollow” and “baseless,” and the Committee proceeded with the vetting.

The three nominees are Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal; Justice Edward Amoako Asante, also a Court of Appeal Justice and a former President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice; and private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jr., a former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

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Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, Mr Ayariga reflected on his working relationship with the Minority Leader during their time on opposite sides of the House.

He acknowledged that Mr Afenyo-Markin consistently defended the Minority’s position and challenged government policies, describing such conduct as part of his responsibility as Minority Leader.

“You can trust that he will call trouble. You can trust that he will push his side’s position,” Mr Ayariga said.

He explained that he understood the political nature of their roles and therefore allowed Mr Afenyo-Markin to make his case while he also defended the government’s position as Majority Leader.

“He’s just playing his role. So let him play it. I’ll play mine,” he said.

Mr Ayariga said his interactions with Mr Afenyo-Markin over the past one and a half years had given him a deeper appreciation of his character.

“I’ve come to know you as a person of integrity and honesty,” he said, while thanking him for the openness and directness he brought to their engagements.

“I want to thank you for the forthrightness with which you have dealt with me as the Majority Leader,” he added.

The Bawku Central MP also described Mr Afenyo-Markin as a resilient politician who remained committed to his position despite disagreements and opposition.

“I know that you are very resilient. You never give up,” he said.

Mr Ayariga further acknowledged that although the Minority often engaged the government in vigorous debates, the caucus had at times supported government business to facilitate parliamentary approvals and other processes.

He said he had particularly enjoyed responding to the questions raised by Mr Afenyo-Markin during their time in Parliament.

“I honestly, honestly enjoyed your questions,” he said.

Mr Ayariga expressed hope that he would develop a similarly constructive relationship with Mr Afenyo-Markin’s successor, James Agalga, as he moves from his role as Majority Leader to the proposed ministerial position.

He maintained that despite political differences, the relationship between the two sides of Parliament could remain productive when members understood and respected their respective roles.

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Speaking ahead of the vetting on Thursday, August 27, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the Supreme Court is fully constituted and continues to hear cases requiring urgent attention.

He argued that the latest nominations would increase the number of justices rather than fill existing vacancies, and therefore do not warrant an expedited vetting.

“If there is no vacancy to fill, there is certainly no emergency compelling anyone to fill it inside three days. There is no fire here,” he said.

The nominees are Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah and Justice Edward Amoako Asante, both Justices of the Court of Appeal, as well as private legal practitioner Anthony Forson Jr, a former President of the Ghana Bar Association.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said Parliament has sufficient time to properly scrutinise the nominees and proposed that the relevant committee conduct the exercise in September and submit its report when the House resumes in October.

He also rejected the argument that the ongoing judicial vacation makes the appointments urgent, stressing that the Supreme Court remains operational and capable of handling matters that require immediate attention.

The Minority Leader, however, said his caucus was willing to support the expedited vetting of two ministerial nominees—Bawku Central MP Mahama Ayariga and Korle Klottey MP Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings.

Mr Ayariga has been nominated as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, while Dr Agyeman-Rawlings has been nominated as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology.

Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed that the Minority’s position was not a rejection of the judicial nominees but a call for Parliament to have adequate time to conduct a thorough assessment.

He maintained that the caucus would not support what he described as an unnecessary rush, insisting that the vetting could be undertaken at a later date without undermining Parliament’s constitutional duty to scrutinise nominees.

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Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, Mr Ayariga said the proposal to establish a national place of worship for Ghana’s Christian community was not misplaced, particularly given the country’s strong religious character.

He acknowledged that although Ghana is a secular state, religion remains an important part of the lives of many citizens.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with the idea, but I think it was a good idea that was badly implemented,” he said.

Mr Ayariga also raised concerns about the choice of location for the project, suggesting that some aspects of its implementation required reconsideration.

He said, however, that should Parliament approve his nomination, he would consult leaders of the Christian community to establish whether there remains an interest in completing the project.

According to him, any decision to revive the project would also require discussions with President John Dramani Mahama.

“If they still want to have it, I will engage with the President and, if it is his wish, I will mobilise funds for its construction,” he assured the Committee.

Mr Ayariga’s comments suggest that while he supports the broader vision behind the National Cathedral, he believes the project’s execution and other key considerations must be reviewed before any decision is taken on its completion.

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The two nominations form part of several ministerial appointments submitted by President John Dramani Mahama for parliamentary consideration and approval.

The proposed vetting schedule was presented to Parliament on Monday, August 24, by Mr Ayariga in his capacity as Chairman of the Business Committee.

The exercise follows a request by the Business Committee for a waiver of the Standing Orders requirement concerning the publication of presidential nominations.

The waiver is intended to allow the Appointments Committee to proceed with the vetting without being delayed by the usual publication requirement.

After the exercise, the Appointments Committee is expected to present its reports to the full House for consideration and approval, in line with parliamentary procedures.

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The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, expressed the concerns on Wednesday after the House adjourned.

According to Mr Awuku, the Majority’s decision to recall Parliament created the expectation that MPs would deliberate on important matters, but members and journalists arrived at the chamber only to find little substantive business taking place.

He questioned the rationale behind the emergency sitting and said the development had resulted in unnecessary expenditure for Parliament and other stakeholders who had travelled to attend the proceedings.

Mr Awuku said MPs, journalists and other participants had committed time and resources based on the expectation that the House would undertake significant business.

He therefore described the recall as a waste of public resources and questioned whether there was sufficient justification for convening Parliament under the circumstances.

However, Deputy Majority Whip and Ada MP, Comfort Doyoe, rejected the Minority’s assessment.

She maintained that government business was ongoing and explained that Parliament was awaiting the vetting and approval of newly appointed ministers before proceeding with some of the matters on its agenda.

Madam Doyoe said the Minority’s characterisation of the emergency sitting as a waste of resources was therefore misplaced.

She insisted that parliamentary processes were continuing and that the absence of immediate substantive debate did not mean the House was not conducting government business.

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He warned that its failure to properly investigate such claims could deepen public mistrust of the institution.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Dr Dramani said that his concern, when the latest controversy emerged, was not simply about Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

He said the focus should be on the office he occupies and its importance to parliamentary accountability, particularly under a supermajority government.

“I was very worried not about Afenyo-Markin, but as Inusah Fuseini said, about that office, particularly at a time when we have a supermajority parliament,” he said.

Dr Dramani stressed the need for political leaders to uphold high ethical standards.

“We need leaders with integrity. We need a minority with a very high level of integrity to be able to hold this supermajority and the executive accountable.”

His comments come amid the controversy triggered by GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi’s allegation that Mr Afenyo-Markin was an “extortionist.”

Mr Gyamfi’s remarks sparked a strong response from the Minority Leader, who rejected the allegation and threatened legal action.

The dispute has since escalated into a legal confrontation, while the Office of the Special Prosecutor is conducting a preliminary assessment of related allegations to determine whether to open a full-scale investigation.

Dr Dramani said the latest controversy must also be viewed against a history of allegations involving Parliament that have not always resulted in clear resolutions.

He identified partisan solidarity as one of the factors contributing to public mistrust.

“I think the first one is that over the years we have seen in our parliament that partisan solidarity overrides accountability.”

He said caucuses sometimes rally behind accused MPs without first confronting the substance of the allegations.

“So you accuse one person, then an entire caucus begins to rally around that person without even asking the critical question.”

Dr Dramani also questioned whether Parliament applies the same scrutiny to itself that it applies to the Executive.

“Parliament is better at scrutinising the executive than having the moral authority to scrutinise itself,” he said.

He cited the Public Accounts Committee as an example, noting that in 2024 it held about 31 public hearings and made more than 1,000 recommendations for recovery of resources.

His question was whether Parliament applies the same standard when allegations concern its own members.

He said the political cost of investigating fellow MPs also creates another challenge.

“The political cost of, you know, investigating themselves, their own, is usually very high, and they want to rather keep quiet because over the years they build relationships; current MPs are future ministers, and all the kind of networks and so on.”

According to Dr Dramani, Parliament must establish a clear process that takes allegations from investigation to resolution.

“What Parliament hasn’t done for itself over the years is that we haven’t seen a clear path of allegation to resolution.”

He therefore welcomed Mr Afenyo-Markin’s decision to go to court and called for a broader approach if Parliament sets up an ad hoc committee.

“I am hoping, Evans, that maybe for the first time we would have a committee that is made up not only of MPs.”

He proposed a committee comprising MPs and eminent Ghanaians if Parliament does not invite an external investigative body.

“Maybe a committee of Parliament that is made up of MPs and some eminent Ghanaians, so that for the first time, and in the interest of Parliament itself, in order to improve its image in the eyes of the public, that this matter is dealt with.”

He said the process must produce a definitive outcome.

“So that we see a clear path from this allegation to a clear resolution, and if there are sanctions, let them be applied; if there are exonerations, let those happen.”

Also read:

• I’ll submit myself to every investigation to clear my name – Afenyo-Markin on alleged…

• OSP to assess extortion allegations against Afenyo-Markin

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr Fuseini said Parliament’s 276 members were given a clear mandate to represent the interests of more than 30 million Ghanaians.

He said concerns that some lawmakers may be using their positions for personal gain should therefore be treated as a broader threat to democratic governance.

“We have over 30 million people in this country; 276 have been privileged that, in between the times, four-year term, they take decisions on our behalf because we have trusted them to do so,” he said.

Mr Fuseini said MPs are entrusted with significant responsibilities, including controlling public finances, holding the Executive accountable, and passing laws.

He warned that this mandate becomes compromised when lawmakers begin treating it as a personal commodity.

“So when the public begins seeing that these 276 persons that we have given the mandate to represent us and transact business on our behalf in Parliament, hold our purse, I mean hold the executive accountable, pass laws for us, are doing that for themselves, have commodified that mandate that we have given them, and are trading in that mandate,” he said.

According to him, such conduct would not only damage the credibility of individual MPs but could also erode confidence in Parliament as an institution.

“That not only undermines their legitimacy, it also undermines and erodes public confidence and public trust in that institution, and that is what we are confronted with,” he said.

His comments come amid a controversy involving Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Sammy Gyamfi.

Mr Gyamfi, the Acting CEO of the Ghana Gold Board and NDC Communications Officer, had accused Mr Afenyo-Markin of extortion.

The allegation triggered a fierce political dispute, with Mr Afenyo-Markin subsequently taking legal action.

Mr Fuseini said the issue should not be reduced to a dispute involving one politician.

He argued that the broader concern was whether elected representatives were still prioritising the collective interest of the people who sent them to Parliament.

“If that person was sent to Parliament to ensure that the resources are used judiciously and prudently, and that person now thinks that all of us do not matter, in so far as his pocket is lined, then we are in trouble,” he said.

“Then the basic reason why we elected them in the first place goes, because they do not stand for us any longer; they are standing for themselves.”

Mr Fuseini said the allegations must therefore be viewed in light of the broader constitutional responsibilities of Parliament and elected officials.

“That’s why we should treat what we are hearing not as Alexander Afenyo-Markin, but as a serious concern that goes to the root of our democracy,” he said.

He said the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of the public could undermine the constitutional promise of equal opportunity and national prosperity.

“That promise will seriously be undermined if people do not pursue the collective interests, but are pursuing personal interests to the, I mean, disadvantage of the entirety of Ghana,” he said.

Also read:

• Justin Kodua laments rising personal interests over unity in NPP [Audio]

• Clear your name immediately – PAGA urges Afenyo-Markin over alleged defamatory remarks

The Committee was originally scheduled to vet the nominees on Tuesday, August 25, as part of the process for considering recent presidential nominations.

Adom News’ parliamentary correspondent, Ohene Amponsah, confirmed the development, although the reason is not immediately known.

The change in schedule means the committee will now sit on Thursday to scrutinise the nominees and assess their qualifications, experience, and suitability for their respective portfolios.

The nominees include Majority Leader and Chairman of Parliament’s Business Committee, Mahama Ayariga, who has been nominated as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.

Also expected to appear before the committee is Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the nominee for Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology.

The vetting forms part of Parliament’s constitutional process for considering presidential nominations before they are presented to the full House for approval.

The Appointments Committee is expected to submit its reports to Parliament after the exercise, paving the way for consideration and approval by the House.

The initiative was highlighted by NYA Chief Executive Officer, Osman Abdulai Ayariga, during the National Youth Parliament Mock Sitting, which he described as the first collaboration of its kind between the Authority and Parliament.

Mr Ayariga said the initiative should not be viewed as a one-off event but as the beginning of a stronger institutional relationship that would help young people understand how democratic institutions function.

He said the experience would expose participants to parliamentary procedures, including presenting motions, debating issues, interrogating ideas, listening to opposing views, and building consensus.

“Today is particularly significant because this mock sitting represents the first collaboration of its kind between the National Youth Authority and the Parliament of Ghana,” he said.

He said the Youth Parliament was intended to serve as a training ground for young people to develop civic competence, leadership capacity and democratic literacy.

He urged participants to ensure that recommendations emerging from their deliberations were documented and submitted to relevant institutions for consideration.

“Let the arguments, proposals and recommendations emerging from this House be documented and presented to the National Youth Authority and relevant institutions for consideration,” Mr Ayariga said.

Builsa North MP Agalga says the matter should now be left to the courts and state agencies to investigate, rather than allowing the allegations and counter-allegations to escalate further.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he said several legal and institutional processes had already been triggered.

“I think that the appropriate institutions of state, law enforcement, etc., have invoked their powers. So I think that we should wait and see. Let’s adopt a wait-and-see approach,” he said.

Mr Agalga said he would not comment on the substance of the allegations because the Minority Leader had indicated that he had initiated legal action over the matter.

“Now, I do not want to delve into the merits or otherwise of the allegations made because the Minority Leader hinted that he had actually initiated some suits, you know, in respect of this same matter. And therefore, as a lawyer, I would not want to delve into the merits,” he said.

He also noted that some individuals had petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor over the matter.

The OSP has acknowledged that it has begun preliminary investigations.

Mr Agalga said the outcome of those processes could determine whether any of the parties involved would be held liable or culpable.

“So, for now, I think that we need to allow cool heads to prevail and let there be a ceasefire for now,” he said.

He said the Minority Leader had gone to court to vindicate his rights, while others had petitioned state agencies.

“Let’s see, when invitations are extended to the parties involved, they may unravel certain things that should be of interest to all of us,” he said.

“But for now, I will call for calm and that there should be a ceasefire so that the agencies of the state and the courts can have peace of mind.”

Mr Agalga, however, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and their potential impact on Parliament.

“Well, it’s quite disturbing, to be very frank with you. So those allegations carry a lot of weight,” he said.

He said the seriousness of the claims could explain why the Minority Leader had taken the matter to court.

“I guess that is why the minority leader himself has found it necessary to take out writs before the law courts,” he said.

Asked whether Parliament itself should investigate the allegations because they concern one of its most important offices, Mr Agalga pointed to the possibility that the Speaker could receive a petition.

He said he was not certain whether Speaker Alban Bagbin had been officially served with the petition, but expressed confidence that the matter would become known if the Speaker received it.

“Knowing who Mr Speaker is, I would have no doubts at all that once he gets hold of a petition of that sort, we would know about it,” he said.

The incoming Majority Leader’s call for a ceasefire comes as the allegations have increasingly drawn Parliament into a dispute that is now before the courts and state investigative authorities.

Mr Ayariga replaces Banda MP, Ahmed Ibrahim, who has been reassigned as Minister for Works and Housing.

The invitation, contained in a letter from the Appointments Committee, directs Mr Ayariga to appear at 9:00 a.m. at Committee Rooms 1 and 2 of the Administration Block at Parliament House in Accra.

The committee congratulated Mr Ayariga on his nomination and said the vetting would be conducted pursuant to Standing Order 217.

Ahead of the exercise, Mr Ayariga has been requested to submit copies of his curriculum vitae, signed on each page, as well as a Tax Clearance Certificate from the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The documents are to be submitted to the Governance Cluster Secretariat on the second floor of the Job 600 Annex Building by Tuesday, August 26, 2026.

He is also required to submit a soft copy of his CV by email to the Appointments Committee.

The committee has further informed the nominee that security clearance has been obtained for a maximum of 20 guests to observe the vetting.

Mr Ayariga is therefore expected to submit a list of the names and positions of the guests alongside the other requested documents.

Also read:

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• Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings to face Appointments Committee today

Speaking during Parliament’s emergency recall sitting on Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr Afenyo-Markin said he would cooperate fully with any competent investigation if the allegations are formally reported to the appropriate authorities.

He challenged his accusers to report the matter to the Police, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) or any other authorised investigative body if they believe he has committed an offence.

“If they muster the courage to report that I have extorted from them and I am invited, I shall submit myself to every investigation so that eventually my name is cleared,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said he had already resorted to lawful means to address the allegations, including initiating legal action against some of the individuals and media organisations involved.

He further disclosed that writs had been filed in two separate cases over the claims.

The first suit, numbered GT 1029/2026, is titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Samuel Adu-Gyamfi and Multimedia Group Limited and was filed at the Accra High Court.

The second case, GR/ACH/CC/C5/02/2026, is titled Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin versus Eric Agjei and Peace FM and was filed at the Achimota Circuit Court.

The Minority Leader said he was confident that the courts would determine the matters fairly and appropriately.

He described his decision to submit himself to the legal process as taking the “high moral ground” in response to the allegations.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also cautioned politicians and other actors against crossing what he considers unacceptable boundaries in political discourse.

“There is a limit to political discourse. There are lines that must not be crossed, and these red lines, once crossed, they must be dealt with,” he said.

He further defended his record in Parliament, insisting that he has carried out his duties as Minority Leader with integrity and commitment.

“I have served in this position with integrity,” he stated, adding that he had remained faithful to the responsibilities entrusted to him.

Also read:

• OSP to assess extortion allegations against Afenyo-Markin

• Bawumia backs Afenyo-Markin, urges Minority to stay focused on alleged $1.7bn GoldBod loss

Minority Leader and Bawku Central MP, Mahama Ayariga, in his capacity as Chairman of the Business Committee, presented the proposed vetting schedule to Parliament on Monday, August 24.

The exercise forms part of Parliament’s consideration of several nominations submitted by the President for approval.

The process follows a request by the Business Committee for a waiver of the Standing Orders requirement concerning the publication of presidential nominations.

The waiver is aimed at allowing the Appointments Committee to proceed with the vetting without being delayed by the usual publication requirement.

After the vetting, the committee’s reports will be presented to the full House for consideration and approval in line with parliamentary procedures.

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However, he has ruled that the motion cannot be debated during Parliament’s ongoing emergency sitting, saying the House was recalled for specific business outlined by President John Dramani Mahama.

Mr Bagbin disclosed this on Monday after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised concerns over the reported GH¢22 billion, equivalent to about US$1.7 billion, linked to the DGPP.

The Speaker said the motion, which was received at his office on August 21, 2026, had been reviewed and would be admitted for consideration at the appropriate time.

He explained that Parliament needed to examine the matter to help establish whether the reported amount should properly be classified as a loss or a cost associated with the government’s gold purchasing policy.

Mr Bagbin said Parliament’s eventual consideration of the issue would allow Ghanaians to assess the arguments and evidence presented by both sides.

He stressed, however, that the motion could not be included in the business of the current emergency sitting.

According to the Speaker, President Mahama’s request for the recall of Parliament was specifically to deal with three identified matters, and the House must restrict itself to those issues during the one-week sitting.

He therefore directed the Table Office to ensure that no new business was introduced during the emergency session.

“We will not do any new business,” the Speaker said, adding that there would be no Question Time or statements during the sitting.

Mr Bagbin explained that the Minority’s motion was filed after Parliament had already been recalled, making it impossible for the House to consider it during the current session.

He said the motion would instead be dealt with when Parliament resumes its normal business.

The Speaker also rejected any suggestion that Parliament would seek to shield the GoldBod issue from public scrutiny.

He said Parliament was committed to transparency and had taken steps to make its proceedings more open, including its participation in the Open Government Partnership.

Mr Bagbin said both the Majority and Minority had demonstrated their willingness to explain their positions on the GoldBod controversy, and Parliament would provide an avenue for the matter to be properly examined.

He further referred to Parliament’s Standing Orders, particularly Order 59, Rules 2 and 3, which provide a procedure for recalling the House when it is on recess.

According to him, such a recall could be organised within a few days after the required consultations with parliamentary leadership.

He stressed, however, that the procedure could not be used to introduce the GoldBod motion into the current emergency sitting because Parliament was already in session.

For now, the House will concentrate on the three matters for which President Mahama requested the emergency sitting, while the Minority’s motion on the reported DGPP losses awaits consideration at a later stage.

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After reading a communication from President Mahama to the House on August 24, during Parliament’s emergency sitting the Speaker clarified that Mr Agalga will, for now, hold an acting position.

“Acting, because the President does not have authority to communicate the change in leadership. It was done in error,” he said.

He explained that the position of Majority Leader is not a presidential appointment but a caucus designation.

“Majority Leader means a Member of Parliament designated by the caucus as their leader in the House. Party does the communication through the General Secretary,” he said.

Speaker Bagbin added that Mahama Ayariga will continue to occupy the seat until the party communicates the change and the caucus accepts it.

The announcement comes as Parliament begins a five-day emergency sitting to consider a number of matters described as urgent by the President.

The emergency session, which started on Monday and is scheduled to end on Friday, August 28, will consider the nominations of three individuals to the Supreme Court, two ministerial nominations and the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Amendment Bill.

The House is also expected to undertake other business specifically outlined in the President’s request for the emergency recall.

Speaker Alban Bagbin, however, directed Members of Parliament to limit proceedings strictly to the matters for which the House was recalled.

He stated that no other business outside the specified agenda would be admitted during the emergency sitting.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe, the Effutu MP said he was fully aware of the challenges that came with taking up leadership of the Minority Caucus and remained committed to discharging his mandate.

“Look, I won’t be the first minority leader to suffer attacks,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said political pressure and even legal challenges were not unusual for opposition leaders, citing the experience of current Majority Leader and former Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

He noted that Dr Ato Forson faced criminal proceedings while serving as Minority Leader under the previous administration but continued to perform his parliamentary duties.

“In opposition, like I said, was Ato Forson not in court? Was his situation not worse than mine? Do you get what I mean?”

He further recalled that opposition leaders in other jurisdictions had faced even more severe consequences while performing their roles.

“And I said, oh, sir, in other jurisdictions, minority leaders have been arrested. They are in jail. In other jurisdictions, minority leaders are made to report to investigative agencies all the time.”

Mr Afenyo-Markin’s comments follow a public dispute with Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, who has accused him of making false claims about GoldBod and its operations.

The Minority Leader had earlier threatened to pursue legal remedies over what he described as defamatory allegations against him, including comments portraying him as an “extortionist.”

However, when asked whether he would take Mr Gyamfi to court, Mr Afenyo-Markin adopted a more measured position, saying he would not allow emotions to dictate his response.

“I have made certain statements. I would rely on them without more. Don’t rush. In the Bible, Jesus was accused of wild allegations. He kept quiet and watched them. He could have done anything.”

He said Ghanaians expected maturity from him as Minority Leader and that he would not allow personal attacks to distract him from his responsibilities.

“So if I would be carried away with emotions, I would fail. It’s not an emotional game. It’s not a game that somebody attacks you, you should also react. No, you won’t get it,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that the Minority would remain focused on its concerns over the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and reported losses associated with the programme.

“We want to focus. We promised the people of Ghana that we would file a motion; we have filed that motion.”

He described the matter as a national issue rather than a partisan campaign against the government.

“This is an important national issue. It is not a partisan call. It is a patriotic call being made by a vigilant minority; however few our numbers,” he noted.

The Minority Leader said he understood the weight of his position and was prepared to face whatever challenges came with it.

“So, I’m very clear in my mind. The very day I took this job, I knew the weight of it. Everything is on me. I’m ready to live up to the task. I rely on my God, and I thank the party for the support,” he said.

He also called for the planned parliamentary hearing into the GoldBod losses to be broadcast live, saying the public deserved to follow the proceedings.

“But I pray for a live broadcast of the hearing. We expect that once the motion is carried, there will be a full public hearing of these GoldBod losses,” he stated.

Also read:

• You don’t need any special motion to invite me to parliament – Sammy Gyamfi…

• Afenyo-Markin to appear before Minority MPs over Sammy Gyamfi’s allegations

The special sitting comes barely a month after the House adjourned on July 31, 2026, with MPs expected to return to the Chamber to consider what the Speaker has described as urgent parliamentary business.

Speaker Bagbin invoked Order 58(4) of Parliament’s Standing Orders, which allows the Speaker to recall the House during an adjournment when circumstances require Parliament to reconvene.

The recall is expected to give lawmakers the opportunity to deliberate on pressing matters that cannot be deferred until the next scheduled sitting.

Parliament is scheduled to sit from Monday, August 24, to Friday, August 28, during the special session.

Among the key matters expected to come before the House are the nominations of Mahama Ayariga as Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology.

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Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, he said the Minister’s appearance before Parliament would provide an opportunity for MPs to raise questions and seek clarity on concerns surrounding the energy sector.

“I support the cause that he should come to Parliament because we are the people’s representatives. Maybe there are some questions that people have to ask or suggestions that people have to make,” Issah said on Saturday, August 22.

His comments come amid calls by the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, Collins Adomako-Mensah, for the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the energy minister to appear before Parliament to explain the recurring nationwide power outages.

He added that Parliament’s consideration of the 2027 Budget in November could provide an opportunity for lawmakers to push for additional resources for the Energy Ministry, provided the Minister gives satisfactory answers to the questions raised.

Atta Issah also commended the Energy Minister for his increased engagement with the media and stakeholders, but stressed that such explanations must ultimately translate into meaningful action.

Bawumia hails Adwoa Safo as “Woman King” after father’s funeral (Video)

In a notice issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Speaker instructed MPs to return to Parliament from Monday, August 24, to Friday, August 28, 2026.

The recall was made pursuant to Order 58(4) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

The directive comes less than three weeks after Parliament adjourned on July 31 and was expected to remain on recess until October.

Under the new directive, MPs are expected to resume sitting at noon on Monday, August 24, at Parliament House in Accra.

However, the Speaker’s notice did not specify the nature of the urgent parliamentary business that has necessitated the early recall of the House.

The five-day sitting is expected to provide Parliament with the opportunity to consider and transact the business for which the recall has been made before the House resumes its recess.

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Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews on Friday, August 7, while discussing President John Dramani Mahama’s recent reshuffle, Dominic Nitiwul said although Mr Agalga is a capable and resilient politician, leading the Majority Caucus demands experience that can only be acquired over time.

“Agalga is a very tough, tough, tough guy. You know, he’s a very tough guy.”

Mr Nitiwul, however, said toughness alone would not be enough to navigate the demands of parliamentary leadership.

“The only thing he needs to realise is that he does not have the experience of leadership.”

He explained that several senior Members of Parliament, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, former Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Patricia Appiagyei and Habib Iddrisu, had spent years in leadership positions and therefore possessed valuable experience.

“Afenyo-Markin, Annoh-Dompreh, Patricia Appiagyei, and Habib have the experience of leadership. They have been there. All the four of them have been there long before him. Some of them have done seven years, six years. Some of them have done six and a half years.”

According to Mr Nitiwul, leadership is not only a calling but also a skill that is developed through experience.

“It is a calling. But apart from that, it is a skill that you need to learn on your feet.”

He said that Mr Agalga entered Parliament around the same period as Mr Afenyo-Markin and therefore understands parliamentary procedure, adding that he was not surprised President Mahama selected him for the position.

“When it comes to parliamentary work, Agalga came in, I think, 2012. So he came with Afenyo. They are mates. So he has an idea about how to go about leadership. So I’m not surprised that the president picked him to go.”

Mr Nitiwul said he believed Mr Agalga would have been considered for the Defence Ministry if he had not been appointed Majority Leader.

“If he didn’t go there, then he would have gone to Defence.”

Despite expressing confidence in Mr Agalga’s ability, Mr Nitiwul cautioned that the new Majority Leader would have to settle into the role quickly or risk losing control of proceedings in the House.

“He has to learn very fast. Otherwise, trust me, the mighty 87 will overrun him.”

He warned that the Minority Caucus would take advantage of any weaknesses if Mr Agalga failed to establish himself.

“If he’s not on his feet, the 87 will overrun him and overrun him very, very quickly.”

Mr Nitiwul also commented on the departure of Mahama Ayariga as Majority Leader, saying the decision had long been expected within Parliament.

“It was obvious to everybody that Mahama Ayariga would leave the front bench. It was very obvious before we left.”

He said there had been widespread speculation that Mr Ayariga would be reassigned if changes were made to Cabinet.

The former Defence Minister insisted that Mr Ayariga’s exit was not solely linked to his performance, revealing that there were other factors he could not publicly discuss.

“There are some other reasons, which I cannot say on air, that he needed to leave. And it was in his interest to leave the front leadership.”

He acknowledged that some members of the governing National Democratic Congress were dissatisfied with Mr Ayariga’s handling of parliamentary business, particularly his exchanges with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

“It’s not about performance or non-performance, even though the NDC party have their own issues with him. The way he went about things and the way he and Afenyo, in the exchanges and how he came out with, some of them felt unsatisfied with the way he went about things.”

Mr Nitiwul, however, said the ultimate verdict on Mr Ayariga’s leadership would rest with the Ghanaian electorate.

“That is for the jury to judge, and that jury will be the electorates in 2028.”

Builsa North Member of Parliament James Agalga is the leading contender to become the next Majority Leader of Parliament following Mahama Ayariga’s appointment to President John Dramani Mahama’s cabinet.

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The Builsa North Member of Parliament said his years of service, including his time as a ranking member and chairman of a key parliamentary committee, have given him the experience and confidence required to perform his new role.

His comments follow remarks by former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, who questioned Mr Agalga’s leadership credentials during an interview on Accra-based Citi News.

Mr Nitiwul argued that although Mr Agalga is one of Parliament’s longest-serving members, he had not previously occupied a major leadership position in the House.

Responding to the criticism, Mr Agalga said his performance in the role would ultimately determine whether he succeeds.

“I think that the end shall justify the means. Do I look like somebody who can be bullied?” he asked.

“We leave the rest for the people to judge when we settle down to work.”

Mr Agalga also dismissed claims that he is inexperienced in parliamentary leadership, pointing to the various positions he has held during his time in the House.

“I want to assure you that I am not new to leadership in Parliament. I have been ranking member for eight solid years. I am currently the chairman of the Defence and Interior Committee. And so, to that extent, it cannot be said that I am new to leadership,” he said.

The Majority Leader further stressed that his long-standing presence in Parliament had earned him the respect of his colleagues and made him unlikely to be intimidated.

“I am a full-term Member of Parliament. And so, I do not think that any colleague of mine in the House can bully me,” he said.

Mr Agalga maintained that the true test of his leadership would come from his performance and contribution to the work of Parliament.

“But like I said, the end shall justify the means,” he added.

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The astute politician, popularly called General Mosquito, insists it was the right call despite the controversy it generated.

The reshuffle, announced ahead of the 2024 general election, saw Haruna Iddrisu replaced as Minority Leader, with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson taking over the role.

Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak was also removed as Minority Chief Whip.

The decision marked the first time an opposition party in Ghana had carried out such a major leadership overhaul in Parliament, triggering intense debate within the NDC and across the political landscape.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Asiedu Nketia said telling the public the circumstances surrounding that decision did not trouble him because he had simply stated the truth.

“It doesn’t change the truth, whether some people accept it or not. The truth remains the truth,” he said.

“As I’ve said, a rose described by whatever adjectives will still smell sweet. So I always want to stay on the side of truth. Once I say something and it is true, whether you accept it or not, that is it. I’m okay with that. I sleep and sleep well,” he stated.

Asked whether the matter should have been discussed publicly, especially because some people felt hurt, the NDC chairman said he did not believe anyone had reason to be offended.

“I don’t think that anybody ought to be hurt. I didn’t think that it was reasonable for anybody to be hurt.”

He argued that anyone who listened to his full explanation would realise “it was much ado about nothing.”

Asiedu Nketiah also dismissed suggestions that the episode damaged his relationship with Haruna Iddrisu and Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak.

“Very close. We worked together.”

He said the purpose of his earlier remarks had been to urge party supporters to stop creating divisions because he remained on good terms with both men.

“I’m cool with my junior brothers Haruna and Muntaka, and we are moving together in Accra.”

To underscore the point, he disclosed that he had spoken with Haruna just a day earlier and said he remains in regular contact with Muntaka.

Responding to claims that the reshuffle was extraordinary because it had never happened before in Ghana’s opposition politics, Asiedu Nketiah said every major political development has a beginning.

“So it means it will never happen?” he asked before adding, “There must be a first time for something.”

He maintained that he would always pursue what he believed was necessary to achieve results.

“If I believe that this is the right way of achieving my results, I will go for it, even though heaven’s fall.”

Asiedu Nketiah acknowledged that Muntaka was initially deeply unhappy with the decision and even described it as “a coup.”

However, he said he expected such reactions because difficult decisions often come with temporary pain.

“If I know that that cut is necessary to heal you, I’m good with it.”

He added that the two now joke about the incident, recalling how, after congratulating Muntaka on his appointment as Interior Minister, he teased him not to arrest him, only for Muntaka to jokingly reply that before he reached Nsawam Prison, he would probably have been removed from office himself.

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The legislation forms part of the government’s broader agenda to strengthen public institutions, modernise key sectors of the economy, improve revenue mobilisation and address long-standing structural challenges.

Below is a breakdown of the 12 bills and what they seek to achieve.

1. Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025

Passed: 29 May 2026

The bill seeks to promote what it describes as Ghanaian family values by prohibiting activities relating to LGBTQ+ advocacy, promotion and related practices. It also prescribes sanctions for certain acts prohibited under the legislation. The bill has generated significant public, legal and international debate over human rights, constitutional freedoms and cultural values.

2. Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Bill, 2025

Passed: 25 June 2026

The bill establishes a new Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, replacing the existing investment promotion framework. It seeks to improve Ghana’s investment climate, streamline investor services, strengthen investment regulation and position the country to attract both local and foreign direct investment.

3. Maritime and Related Offences Bill, 2026

Passed: 30 June 2026

The legislation strengthens Ghana’s legal framework for combating maritime crimes, including piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal fishing, trafficking and other offences committed within the country’s maritime domain. It aligns Ghana’s laws with international maritime conventions and enhances maritime security.

4. Community Service Bill, 2026

Passed: 8 July 2026

The bill introduces community service as an alternative sentencing option for certain categories of offenders. The objective is to reduce prison overcrowding, promote rehabilitation and allow offenders convicted of minor offences to make positive contributions to society.

5. National Defence University, Ghana Bill, 2026

Passed: 17 July 2026

The bill establishes the National Defence University of Ghana to provide advanced military education, research and professional training for members of the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies, while supporting national security policy development.

6. Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Passed: 29 July 2026

The amendment revises aspects of Ghana’s VAT regime to improve tax administration, enhance compliance and implement government tax policy reforms announced in the 2026 Budget. It also seeks to simplify certain VAT processes and improve domestic revenue mobilisation.

7. Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Passed: 29 July 2026

This amendment updates provisions of the Income Tax Act to reflect government tax policy changes, improve tax administration and provide clarity on selected tax obligations for individuals and businesses.

8. Tribunals Bill, 2026

Passed: 30 July 2026

The bill reforms the administration and operation of tribunals in Ghana by providing a modern legal framework governing their establishment, jurisdiction, composition and procedures, with the aim of improving access to justice and the efficiency of dispute resolution.

9. Customs Bill, 2026

Passed: 30 July 2026

The Customs Bill modernises Ghana’s customs laws by strengthening border management, facilitating legitimate trade, improving revenue collection and enhancing measures against smuggling and customs-related offences.

10. Excise Bill, 2026

Passed: 30 July 2026

The Excise Bill consolidates and modernises the legal framework governing excise duties on selected locally manufactured and imported goods. It seeks to improve tax administration and strengthen domestic revenue collection.

11. Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026

Passed: 31 July 2026

The bill reforms the legal framework governing the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), with the objective of strengthening governance, improving operational efficiency, enhancing financial management and supporting the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector.

12. Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2026

Passed: 31 July 2026

The amendment revises aspects of the Energy Sector Levies Act by increasing levies on fuel oil and extending the Road Fund Levy to fuel oil. According to the government, the changes are intended to plug revenue leakages, curb abuse within the fuel subsidy regime and strengthen financing for the energy sector, while maintaining tax refunds for legitimate industrial users through a post-payment refund mechanism.

A busy legislative session

The passage of the 12 bills highlights Parliament’s focus on advancing reforms across several sectors, including taxation, investment promotion, national security, maritime governance, justice, education, energy and agriculture.

Several of the laws implement government policy commitments announced in the 2026 Budget, while others establish new institutional and legal frameworks intended to improve governance, strengthen public service delivery and enhance Ghana’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Click here for details on the bills.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, July 31, Dr Boako said the government’s numerical strength in the House has made it difficult for concerns raised by the Minority to influence policy decisions, particularly on tax-related legislation.

He alleged that the government’s handling of recent tax proposals shows a disregard for opposing views, insisting that Parliament must serve as a strong institution for checks and balances rather than merely endorsing government policies.

“It seems this government fancies burdening the Ghanaian taxpayer with more taxes. The supermajority Ghanaians gave them is being abused. No matter what the Minority says, they don’t care,” he stated.

Dr Boako urged Ghanaians to consider the importance of a balanced Parliament in future elections, adding that no political party should be allowed to gain excessive dominance in the legislature.

“Ghana should never make the mistake of giving one political party such a supermajority in Parliament,” he added.

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Addressing the media, the Ranking Member of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee and Member of Parliament for Mampong, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, said the Minority supports responsible mining, investment and increased participation of indigenous Ghanaian companies in the sector.

However, he said the caucus would resist any attempt to undermine constitutional safeguards governing the exploitation of Ghana’s mineral resources.

“The resources beneath our soil do not belong to today’s government. They do not belong to any minister. They do not belong to any political party. And they do not belong to any mining company. They belong to the Republic of Ghana,” he stated.

Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong stressed that although the Executive holds Ghana’s mineral resources in trust on behalf of the people, Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard that trust through proper scrutiny of mining agreements.

He criticised what he described as a growing practice of treating Parliament as a “conveyor belt” for approving mining leases, regardless of the quality of documentation submitted or unresolved constitutional concerns.

“The Minority rejects the growing tendency to treat Parliament as a conveyor belt for the approval of mining leases, regardless of the quality of the documentation presented or the constitutional questions that remain unanswered,” he said.

According to the Minority, Ghana’s mineral resources must not be managed in a manner that compromises the interests of the state and its citizens.

The comments follow Parliament’s ratification of six mining leases on Wednesday, July 30, 2026, involving companies including Golden Star Wassa Ltd, Maripoma Mining Services Ltd, Persians Mining Ltd and Damang Gold Ltd.

The Minority also issued a warning to mining companies operating in Ghana to comply strictly with the Constitution, the Minerals and Mining Act, and all other regulatory requirements.

“We wish to send a clear message to every mining company operating in Ghana: respect the Constitution and the laws of Ghana. The law of Ghana is not negotiable,” Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong stated.

He accused some mining companies of engaging in practices that appear to disregard constitutional and statutory obligations, including instances where mining activities allegedly commenced before parliamentary ratification and where legal and regulatory gaps had not been addressed.

The Mampong MP said the Minority was documenting all such breaches and would pursue accountability at the appropriate time.

He described Ghana’s mineral wealth as a “sacred trust” belonging to the people and insisted that all stakeholders must protect the country’s natural resources for future generations.

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Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, announced the proposal while presenting government’s White Paper on the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee on Thursday, July 30.

The proposed reform is part of measures aimed at strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions, improving governance and making Parliament more inclusive.

Dr. Ayine explained that the current constituency-based electoral system will be maintained, with an additional proportional representation component introduced to increase the participation of groups that have historically been underrepresented in Parliament.

Under the proposal, 276 MPs will continue to be elected through the existing constituency elections, while the remaining 24 seats will be allocated through a proportional representation system.

The additional seats will be reserved for groups including women, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and young people.

“The government has accepted that the size of Parliament be capped and we propose a ceiling of 300 members. The current membership of Parliament is 276 and so these will be elected directly in constituency elections like we already have, and the remaining 24 will be elected or selected through proportional representation among women, persons with disabilities and the youth,” he said.

The Attorney-General disclosed that an independent study will be commissioned to determine the structure and implementation of the proportional representation component.

He said the proposed cap would help reduce the cost of running Parliament while creating opportunities for broader representation.

“Capping Parliament saves cost and the reserve element opens the doors of our legislature wider to those that our politics have historically kept outside,” Dr. Ayine stated.

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The new legislation consolidates existing customs laws and is expected to streamline customs procedures while aligning Ghana’s customs regime with international best practices.

It also seeks to strengthen the fight against smuggling, illicit trade and other customs-related offences by providing a more robust legal framework for customs operations.

The bill was introduced in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026, by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, in accordance with Article 106(2) of the 1992 Constitution.

It was read for the first time on the same day before being referred to Parliament’s Finance Committee for scrutiny and a report in line with Article 106(4) of the Constitution and Order 226(2) of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Following consideration of the committee’s report, Parliament approved the bill, clearing the way for the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework to regulate customs administration in the country.

The legislation is expected to improve compliance among importers and exporters, facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen border controls and enhance the state’s capacity to mobilise revenue through a more efficient customs administration system.

The Customs Bill, 2026, will now be transmitted to President John Dramani Mahama for assent before it becomes law.

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The appointment places the young Ghanaian in one of the Parliament’s key ministerial positions, where he will lead discussions on education policies and defend government positions on issues affecting the education sector during the parliamentary simulation.

Mr Owusu Darko secured the position after impressing fellow delegates with his leadership qualities, debating skills and understanding of governance, marking another milestone for Ghana’s participation in this year’s Commonwealth Youth Parliament.

His election follows his victory at Ghana’s 2026 Commonwealth Day National Debate Competition organised by the Parliament of Ghana, which earned him the opportunity to represent the country at the international programme.

As Education Minister, Titus Owusu Darko is expected to lead discussions on improving access to quality education, promoting innovation in teaching and learning, supporting youth development and strengthening educational collaboration among Commonwealth member countries.

Speaking after his election, Mr Owusu Darko described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility.

“This is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Ghana. I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me and look forward to contributing meaningfully to discussions on education and youth development across the Commonwealth,” he said.

The Commonwealth Youth Parliament, organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), brings together young leaders from member countries to experience parliamentary democracy, enhance their legislative and leadership skills, and deliberate on contemporary global issues.

Mr Owusu Darko’s election has been hailed by colleagues and observers as a testament to his leadership abilities and Ghana’s growing influence in youth parliamentary engagements.

His appointment adds to Ghana’s strong showing at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament, where the country continues to make an impact through the achievements of its young delegates.

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Her election places her in a key leadership role ahead of the debate on the Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Integrity Bill 2026.

The proposed legislation seeks to address the growing influence of artificial intelligence on democratic governance, elections, political communication and public trust.

As Crossbench Whip, Ms Agrobesa will coordinate the activities of members of the Green Justice Movement during parliamentary proceedings. Her responsibilities include preparing members for debates, maintaining party discipline, building consensus and helping shape the group’s position on the bill.

The Green Justice Movement serves as the Crossbench Party in the New Albion Parliament and holds the balance of power between the government and opposition.

This gives the group a significant role in determining whether the bill is passed, amended or rejected, making Ms Agrobesa’s leadership crucial to the parliamentary process.

Speaking after her election, she described the opportunity as an honour and privilege, pledging to provide effective leadership as the Crossbench engages with the proposed legislation.

She also expressed her commitment to ensuring that the Green Justice Movement contributes meaningfully to discussions on the responsible use and regulation of artificial intelligence.

The debate is expected to focus on how governments can harness the benefits of AI while protecting electoral integrity, transparency, democratic institutions and public confidence.

Ms Agrobesa’s election marks another milestone for Ghana and the University of Media, Arts and Communication as she takes on a prominent role at the international youth parliamentary gathering.

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UniMAC students to represent Ghana at Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Australia

He is warning that the proposed law could have serious consequences for Ghana’s cocoa industry if stakeholders are not properly consulted.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, the Ofoase Ayirebi MP said the Minority opposed the attempt to fast-track consideration of the bill because of its far-reaching impact on cocoa farmers and the wider economy.

According to him, cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most important industries and any major policy change must be subjected to extensive engagement before it becomes law.

He argued that previous decisions on cocoa pricing had already affected cocoa-growing communities, making it even more important for Parliament to proceed cautiously.

“Look at the last time they took a decision at Cabinet to cut cocoa prices by about 30%. It’s impacted a lot of cocoa-growing areas across the country. You don’t take major decisions like this in a rush,” he said.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah expressed concern about the pricing formula proposed under the bill. He argued that the new arrangement would work against the interests of cocoa farmers.

“The formula they want to use now for cocoa pricing, we think, is inimical to the interest of the cocoa industry,” he stated.

He explained that although the proposal initially referred to paying farmers 70 per cent of Free on Board (FOB) prices, a different mechanism is now being discussed, raising further concerns.

“They want to say that they are going to pay 70 per cent. Well, initially they said FOB prices. Now they are coming up with some other mechanism for it,” he noted.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah warned that the proposed system could undermine the minimum guaranteed farm-gate price, which he described as a key incentive for cocoa production.

“It will put a lot of our cocoa farmers at a disadvantage because what it will do is that it will not be able to do what we have done from times past, provide what we call the minimum guarantee farm gate price, which is what now encourages people to go into cocoa farming for the year because they know that for this year this is the price that is being guaranteed.”

He added that a fluctuating pricing system would not suit the structure of Ghana’s cocoa sector.

“It’s going to be undulating, which we think is not helpful for the peculiar type of industry that we have,” he said.

The former Information Minister insisted that Parliament should suspend efforts to pass the legislation quickly and instead allow broader consultations with key stakeholders.

“So we’ve asked that they don’t rush it through. Let’s have an opportunity to engage. Let’s bring cocoa farmers in. Let’s hear from them. Let’s have their input into the law that you want us to pass.”

He stressed that discussions on the bill were still ongoing and indicated that the Minority would continue to make further submissions before Parliament takes a final decision.

“So again, on that one, it’s not a done deal yet. We will be making a lot more submissions on it.”

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The Ofoase Ayirebi MP said the Minority will rely on the Right to Information (RTI) Act and, if necessary, seek a court order to obtain contracts and other documents they believe have not been disclosed to Parliament.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said Parliament cannot approve multi-year financial commitments without knowing the cost, duration, contractors involved, and the expected fiscal impact.

His concerns follow government’s request for parliamentary approval for a multi-year commitment to roll out fiscal electronic devices.

He said although the Minority supports the fiscal electronic devices project, it cannot accept what he described as a blank cheque.

“In 2018, the Akufo-Addo government passed the Taxation Fiscal Electronic Devices Act, which was supposed to roll out fiscal electronic devices at points of sale, so that you know VAT was automated,” he said.

“They didn’t state how much the project will cost? How many years this multi-year approval is for? Who is the contractor? And number four, what is the year-by-year fiscal impact?” he added.

According to Mr Oppong Nkrumah, approving the request without those details would amount to Parliament giving government unlimited authority over a major financial commitment.

“And that was the point that we were trying to make to Mr Speaker: that if we give this approval without this information, it’s a blank cheque that has been given to the government, and no government, whether the NPP or NDC government, should be given such a blank cheque,” he stated.

He said the Minority raised similar concerns over other revenue-related transactions, including proposed taxation measures affecting international digital platforms such as Netflix and Starlink.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah argued that taxing those services again in Ghana could create a double taxation challenge.

“We explained to them in detail that people are already paying taxes on these products, wherever they are buying them from. These products and services. If you tax them again in the Ghanaian jurisdiction, that is double taxation,” he said.

He also raised concerns about a proposed domestic revenue platform, describing it as a new system intended to support revenue assurance and collection.

The former Information Minister said the Minority has decided to demand full disclosure of the agreements through legal means if necessary.

“We have served notice that we’re going to come under RTI rules to request for copies of whatever contracts, schedules, etc. which they have already, they are just not disclosing it to Parliament,” he said.

“We’re going to come under the RTI Act to request for all of these things. If they don’t disclose, we will go to court and get a court order to get all of those details because Parliament must get that information,” he added.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah also cautioned private sector companies involved in the fiscal electronic devices project, saying parliamentary approval had not yet provided them with the required protection.

“We are serving notice that they don’t have parliamentary cover. What has been given them is just a blank cheque,” he said.

He insisted that Parliament has not approved any specific company, amount or implementation schedule.

“Parliament has not approved any company, has not approved any amount, has not approved any such schedule,” he said.

He warned companies relying on the current approval to proceed with the project to ensure the proper parliamentary process is followed.

“If you want things to be done properly, ensure that proper parliamentary cover is sought for you and for this transaction that needs to take,” he added.

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The House is expected to proceed on recess after concluding business for the meeting, which included the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

During the session, lawmakers considered and passed a number of significant bills.

Among them was the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana.

Parliament also approved the Tribunals Bill, paving the way for the establishment of Regional and District Tribunals to help ease the growing backlog of cases within the country’s judicial system.

Other notable legislation passed during the meeting includes the National Defence University Ghana Bill, which provides the legal framework for the establishment of the university, and the Community Service Bill.

The Community Service Bill introduces community service as an alternative to custodial sentences for individuals convicted of specified offences, with the aim of promoting rehabilitation while easing pressure on the country’s prisons.

The adjournment will bring to a close a parliamentary meeting that saw the consideration of key legislative reforms alongside the government’s mid-year review of the economy.

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First Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, issued the warning on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 22.

He said the budget review should instead focus on accounting for the government’s campaign promises, clearing outstanding payments owed to contractors and providing updates on flagship programmes.

Mr Iddrisu insisted that Parliament had already approved significant funding for the government and would not support any fresh request for money.

“If the finance minister comes here to this house tomorrow, we will be observing and monitoring every line of his statement or his budget, and we beg him; he should not come and ask for any money because we will not give him any money because of the money that we have given,” he said.

He said one of the key issues Ghanaians expect the Finance Minister to address is the payment of arrears owed to local contractors, many of whom he said are facing difficulties due to delayed payments.

“What Ghanaians are expecting of him in the statement is to state clearly and pay Ghanaian contractors. Ghanaian contractors have not been paid; they are suffering, there is no money in the system,” he stated.

The Minority also demanded updates on government’s flagship initiatives, including the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme, the proposed 24-hour economy, the Women’s Development Bank and the One, Three, Three (133) initiative.

According to the caucus, several of the programmes remain largely unimplemented despite earlier promises.

“The jobs that they promised Ghanaian youth, including NDC youth, is only on paper,” Mr Iddrisu said.

He further criticised the pace of implementation of government policies, describing initiatives such as the 24-hour economy, Women’s Development Bank, 133 programme and payments to contractors as yet to materialise.

The Minority maintained that the government must demonstrate progress on its commitments before seeking additional financial support from Parliament.

It also pointed to Parliament’s recent approval of a loan facility of about US$1 billion, arguing that the focus should be on the effective utilisation of existing funds.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson is expected to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review later today, providing an assessment of the economy’s performance in the first half of the year and outlining updated fiscal projections for the remainder of 2026.

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The symbolic protest comes a day after the High Court found Chairman Wontumi guilty in a case linked to illegal mining and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment.

The NPP MPs said the gesture was to express solidarity with the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman and register their dissatisfaction with the court’s decision.

Several lawmakers maintained that they disagreed with the judgment and expressed confidence that it would be overturned through the appellate process.

The protest follows separate statements issued by the Parliamentary Minority and the NPP, both rejecting the verdict and arguing that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the party, Chairman Wontumi lawfully acquired the mining concession in question and did not unlawfully assign or transfer any mineral rights, contrary to the trial court’s findings.

The NPP has since announced plans to appeal the conviction, describing the ruling as a miscarriage of justice and expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal will overturn the decision.

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The caucus has pledged to challenge the decision in the higher courts, citing what it says are constitutional and legal concerns surrounding the trial.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, and signed by Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the caucus accused the trial process of being marred by procedural irregularities and selective prosecution.

Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Limited, were convicted by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on two counts each under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended, and sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.

The Minority argued that the High Court erred by delivering judgment in the absence of Wontumi’s lead counsel, who had informed the court that he would be outside the jurisdiction due to a prior professional engagement.

According to the caucus, proceeding with the judgment without the accused person’s lawyer of choice breached Article 19(2)(g) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees every accused person the right to legal representation of their choice.

The Minority referenced the case of former Ghana National Petroleum Corporation Chief Executive Tsatsu Tsikata, whose conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2016, arguing that the principle of a fair trial must apply equally regardless of political affiliation.

“If the right to counsel of choice mattered in 2003, it matters in 2026, and it matters exactly as much when the accused sits on the other side of the political aisle,” the statement said.

The caucus also challenged the court’s refusal to refer constitutional questions surrounding Section 99(2)(b) of Act 703 to the Supreme Court under Article 130 of the Constitution.

It argued that, based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Republic v. The High Court, General Jurisdiction 6, Accra; Ex Parte Dr. Zanetor A. Rawlings (2016), the High Court lacked the authority to determine that the constitutional questions raised were clear enough to avoid a referral to the apex court.

The Minority further questioned the court’s decision to lift the corporate veil of Akonta Mining Limited and hold Chairman Wontumi personally liable, describing the move as an exceptional legal remedy that requires appellate scrutiny.

While maintaining its support for efforts to combat illegal mining, the caucus accused the government of selectively applying the law based on political considerations.

It questioned why investigations reportedly ordered by the Attorney-General on July 15, 2025, into alleged illegal mining activities involving National Organiser Joseph Yamin and National Vice Chairman Yakubu Abanga had not led to prosecutions.

The Minority also cited what it described as the lack of action over the alleged takeover of a licensed mining concession at Apinto involving foreign nationals, contrasting it with what it called the swift prosecution and heavy sentence imposed on Chairman Wontumi.

The caucus has called on the Office of the Attorney-General to publish a comprehensive record of illegal mining prosecutions to demonstrate that the law is being applied fairly across the political divide.

It also urged Wontumi’s legal team to pursue all available legal remedies, including an appeal and an application for certiorari, while assuring NPP supporters in the Ashanti Region and beyond that it would continue to challenge the conviction through constitutional means.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, July 18, Mr Awuah said the NDC was suffering from what he described as the “curse of majority”, saying that the party’s control of Parliament had made it believe it could act without restraint.

“I want to make an appeal to my friends in the Majority, the NDC. They seem to be suffering from the curse of the majority in Parliament,” he said.

“That curse makes you think that you can do anything because you think you have the power.”

According to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP, the governing party was now maintaining the very practices it criticised when it sat in the Minority.

“That is what the NDC is suffering from. That curse is making them perpetuate the status quo and forget about the reset that they promised Ghanaians,” he stated.

Mr Awuah made the remarks while discussing the Minority’s decision to boycott a closed-door parliamentary engagement with the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), insisting there was no justification for holding the meeting in camera.

He said that the Governor’s responses were already contained in public documents, making the exclusion of the media unnecessary.

“The other paper that contains the answers is a public document, and the media can take hold of it. So if the answers were already in public documents, what’s the point of not allowing the media to be there?” he asked.

Mr Awuah also accused the NDC of departing from a precedent it established while in opposition.

He recalled that when Parliament scrutinised the construction of the Bank of Ghana’s new headquarters, then Minority MPs demanded that the Governor’s appearance before Parliament be broadcast live.

According to him, the then Minority Chief Whip, Mahama Ayariga, insisted the proceedings should be televised because the opposition believed the hearing would expose alleged wrongdoing by the previous NDC administration.

However, Mr Awuah said the Governor’s testimony ultimately confirmed that the contract had been executed transparently.

“When the Bank of Ghana Governor came, they had egg on their faces because their expectations had been disappointed. He actually came to confirm the transparency with which the whole contract was executed,” he said.

He questioned why the current Majority had rejected calls for a similarly open hearing.

“If you had already set the precedent of having a televised Committee of the Whole meeting with the Bank of Ghana, why then do you deny the Minority the request?” he asked.

Responding to suggestions that the latest hearing involved sensitive issues relating to Ghana’s foreign reserves and exchange rate interventions, Mr Awuah maintained that the information had already been made public.

“The answers had already been provided, and the answers were in a public document. Therefore, there was no secrecy that made it necessary to hold the hearing in camera. The basis was not there,” he said.

Mr Awuah also criticised comments made by Bolgatanga Central MP Isaac Adongo during the controversy, saying he appeared to have forgotten the values the NDC championed while in opposition.

“He had forgotten where he was. Not long ago, he was in opposition. He was in the Minority and had promised Ghanaians that they were going to do things differently,” he said.

He further said that parliamentary oversight should not be reduced to partisan competition between the NPP and the NDC, insisting that the Minority’s actions are intended to protect the interests of all Ghanaians.

“We only stand in the gap for the people of this country. When you are addressing them, we shouldn’t make it seem as though we are reduced to a match between the NPP and NDC. What we are asking for, we ask for on behalf of Ghanaians, and they should be addressed accordingly,” Mr Awuah said.

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According to the Chairman of the Committee, Eric Afful, the review of the report will assess institutional challenges, performance, budget utilisation and measures being implemented to improve service delivery.

Despite economic gains recorded last year, the National Development Planning Commission found persistent challenges, including youth unemployment, poor maternal health outcomes and weaknesses in public service delivery that continue to derail the country’s progress.

He said active participation by public institutions is a demonstration of their commitment to accountability.

“Active participation is an important demonstration of an institution’s commitment to these principles,” Mr. Afful stated.

He urged all ministries, departments, agencies and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to cooperate fully with the process, stressing that the exercise requires the involvement of all relevant institutions.

“The committee therefore expects every ministry, department, agency and the MMDAs to cooperate fully with this process,” he said.

Mr. Afful cautioned that institutions that fail to honour the committee’s invitation without a valid reason or refuse to provide the required information will be treated seriously.

“Failure without a cause to honour the committee’s invitation or to provide required information will be viewed seriously by the committee, as inconsistent with the standards of accountability, transparency and responsible governance that underpin the government’s reset agenda,” he warned.

The Chairman further reminded public institutions that parliamentary committees have the authority to demand accountability and compliance from those invited to appear before them.

He added that ministries that deliberately refuse to appear before the committee should expect consequences.

The committee’s findings and deliberations would help strengthen public sector governance, improve the management of public resources and ensure value for money in government programmes.

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