The MP rendered the apology during Parliament’s emergency sitting on Tuesday, September 29, following a rebuke from Mr Bagbin over comments he made about the recall during a press engagement.

Addressing the House, the Speaker acknowledged that MPs had the right to criticise his decisions but stressed that such criticism must be expressed in a manner that respects the dignity of Parliament and the office of the Speaker.

“A member may criticise the Speaker’s judgment in exercising it, but criticism of the exercise of a constitutional or procedural function should not descend into language which is disrespectful of the office through which that function is exercised,” he said.

Mr Bagbin explained that the recall was undertaken in accordance with Order 58(4) of Parliament’s Standing Orders, following a request by President John Dramani Mahama for the House to consider specific urgent matters.

He noted that although lawmakers were entitled to question decisions and challenge procedures they considered inappropriate, they had a responsibility to protect the integrity of the institutions underpinning Ghana’s democracy.

The Speaker subsequently directed Dr Tiah Mahama to withdraw the word “rude” and apologise to both the House and the Speaker’s office.

In response, the Walewale MP admitted using the expression during a press conference but said he had misunderstood its meaning.

“Even though I thought the meaning to mean sadly and unpleasantly, as my dictionary told me, but I was wrong, Mr Speaker. And I would withdraw that word unreservedly, and I apologise for saying that,” he said.

The exchange formed part of Mr Bagbin’s broader appeal for responsible public discourse, with the Speaker urging political actors to communicate their disagreements without resorting to insults or language that disrespects public institutions.

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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said the Speaker erred by relying on ongoing criminal proceedings to determine whether Parliament could investigate the circumstances surrounding the seizures.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, September 29, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the ruling had denied the Minority an opportunity to make its case before the House.

“Mr Speaker therefore got it wrong by using existing pending criminal proceedings to determine the scope and manner of the inquiry,” he said.

The motion, filed by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu, sought the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate how major narcotics consignments linked to Ghana were processed, inspected, cleared and exported.

Speaker Bagbin rejected the motion during Parliament’s emergency sitting, arguing that the proposed inquiry overlapped with matters before the courts and could prejudice the interests of parties involved in the ongoing proceedings.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, however, insisted that the Minority would not abandon its call for accountability.

“We will not let this matter rest. Unfortunately, the Speaker denied the Minority the opportunity to be heard,” he said.

He also criticised the Majority for supporting the ruling, accusing it of resisting parliamentary scrutiny of the narcotics seizures.

“The 24-hour economy has turned into 24-hour cocaine, and the Majority is not at all interested in scrutiny; we will not rest,” he said, using the phrase in reference to the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

The Minority Leader said his caucus would explore the options available under the Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders to keep the matter on the national agenda.

“We will do what we have to do, and at the right time, we will brief the people of Ghana. We act in the national interest. We act for the good of our democracy and not partisan interest,” he stated.

The proposed inquiry was intended to examine several narcotics seizures, including the interception of nearly 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine by French Customs at Dunkirk on September 10, 2026.

It also cited the seizure of 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine by Australian authorities in June 2026, as well as cocaine interceptions at Takoradi and Pedu in Cape Coast in March 2025.

The committee would have investigated the procedures used to process and clear the consignments, the ports from which they departed and the intelligence profiling, scanning and physical inspections conducted before export.

It was also expected to examine the roles of companies and state agencies involved, the effectiveness of Ghana’s port security systems and the status of investigations, arrests and prosecutions connected to the seizures.

Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that the motion was designed to examine institutional processes rather than determine the guilt or innocence of individuals facing criminal proceedings.

“The motion we filed before the House does not seek to try any accused person. It does not ask Parliament to determine criminal liability, pronounce upon the guilt or innocence of any person, assess the credibility of prosecution witnesses, or decide upon evidence that is properly before a court,” he said.

He argued that Parliament could investigate possible weaknesses in the country’s security and enforcement systems without taking over the role of the courts.

The Minority Leader described the Speaker’s decision as a setback for parliamentary oversight and accountability.

“Today is a sad day for our democracy and parliamentary oversight. The majority has once again used its supermajority, with the support of the Speaker, to weaken Parliament,” he said.

He further alleged that the ruling reflected the government’s unwillingness to face scrutiny over the issue. Those assertions represent the Minority Leader’s position and were not findings established by Parliament.

Mr Afenyo-Markin warned that restrictions on parliamentary scrutiny could weaken institutional checks on executive power.

“When Parliament is weakened, accountability is weakened, and the institutions of state are left with fewer checks on the exercise of power,” he said.

“A supermajority must never become an excuse to weaken the minority, silence scrutiny, or diminish Parliament’s duty to oversight.”

The Majority supported the Speaker’s ruling, after which Parliament was adjourned until further notice.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the Minority would announce its next steps at the appropriate time, maintaining that the scale of the narcotics seizures required scrutiny of Ghana’s port controls, customs procedures, intelligence gathering and drug enforcement systems.

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The adjournment came shortly after Mr Bagbin ruled that the motion, which sought the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the processing and export of the consignments, was inadmissible.

Explaining his decision, the Speaker said the proposed inquiry overlapped substantially with ongoing criminal proceedings and could prejudice the interests of parties involved in the cases before the courts.

“Accordingly, I am of the considered opinion that permitting the motion to proceed in its present form as presented by a Leader of the House at this particular time may prejudice the interests of parties to pending judicial proceedings,” he said.

Mr Bagbin subsequently declared the private member’s motion inadmissible under Parliament’s Standing Orders.

Following the ruling, he adjourned the sitting until further notice.

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Speaking during Parliament’s emergency sitting, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the issue had implications beyond the immediate proceedings, particularly for Ghana’s democratic image and international reputation.

He said both the Ghanaian public and the international community would be watching how Parliament handles the matter.

“The nation would want to know how Parliament will react to this matter. The international community is monitoring how the people’s representatives are able to advance the debate,” he said.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said it was therefore important for the Speaker to consider the views of the caucus leaders before making a determination.

He noted that the opportunity to make submissions had specifically been given to the leaders to speak on behalf of their respective caucuses.

“The call was for only the leaders to make submissions for and on behalf of their respective caucuses,” he said.

According to him, allowing the leaders adequate time to present their positions would assist the Speaker in arriving at a determination after considering all relevant arguments.

“All these must be factored in, ensuring that we get the appropriate space to make the point to also assist you in coming to a determination, one way or the other,” he said.

The Minority Leader also linked the proceedings to Ghana’s international standing, particularly against the backdrop of recent comments by a government minister regarding the confidence of the country’s international partners.

“It is the image of the country that is on trial,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said.

He argued that where the Speaker invites views to assist in determining the admissibility of a matter, those given the opportunity to make submissions should be allowed to fully present their positions.

Mr Afenyo-Markin’s intervention forms part of the arguments being presented to the Speaker as he considers submissions from the two sides of the House before making a determination on the matter.

Addressing an emergency sitting of Parliament on Tuesday, September 29, Mr Bagbin said the conduct of MPs shapes how the rest of the country speaks, both inside and outside the chamber.

“I must say with regret that some of the language employed by members, both within and outside this chamber, has on occasion fallen below the standards that the Parliament is entitled to expect from the elected representatives,” he said.

The Speaker said MPs carry a special responsibility because their words reach far beyond Parliament.

“The words spoken in the chamber travel far beyond these walls. The proceedings of committees are reported throughout the country and worldwide. Our press conferences, interviews, public meetings and social media engagements help to set the tone of national discourse,” he said.

He argued that Parliament cannot ask journalists, broadcasters, bloggers, content creators and other citizens to be responsible in their communication unless its own members do the same.

“Leadership in this matter cannot simply consist of asking citizens to moderate their language. It requires those who occupy positions of public trust to demonstrate by their own conduct that political disagreements can be vigorous without becoming destructive,” he added.

Mr Bagbin said strong disagreement is an essential part of democracy, but should be expressed in ways that respect the dignity of others.

“Please, robust disagreement is legitimate. Strong criticism is legitimate. Holding government, the opposition, the Speaker, leadership and every institution of state to account is legitimate,” he said.

“But insult is not argument. Abuse is not scrutiny. And the deliberate use of language calculated to demean persons or institutions adds nothing to the quality of our democracy.”

The Speaker’s remarks come amid growing concern about the use of insults in public life.

He said political differences should not stop citizens from recognising one another’s humanity and equal rights, and that Ghana’s democratic stability depends not only on its constitutional institutions but also on discipline, decency and responsible public engagement.

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Addressing Parliament during its emergency sitting on Tuesday, September 29, he said the growing trend of abusive language across digital platforms should concern all Ghanaians.

Mr Bagbin acknowledged that social media and other digital platforms had expanded the country’s democratic space by providing citizens with more opportunities to participate in national discussions.

He said the platforms had enabled people to express their views, scrutinise public officials, expose wrongdoing and demand accountability.

“The expansion of social media or should I say new media and other digital platforms has undoubtedly enlarged the democratic space,” he said.

“It has given citizens unprecedented opportunities to participate in national conversations, express opinions, criticize public officials, expose wrongdoing and demand accountability. These are gains which must be protected.”

The Speaker stressed that freedom of speech and expression, including press freedom, was guaranteed under the Constitution and remained fundamental to Ghana’s democracy.

He noted that criticism of public officials, political disagreements, satire and robust debate were legitimate aspects of democratic engagement.

However, Mr Bagbin cautioned against using these freedoms in ways that undermine the quality of public conversations.

“But freedom of expression does not require the degradation of our public discourse. Increasingly, disagreement is expressed not through reasoned arguments but through insults,” he said.

He urged Members of Parliament and the public to reflect on the tone of national discussions and promote respectful engagement while safeguarding constitutional freedoms.

Mr Bagbin said the challenge was to protect the gains made through expanded access to public debate without allowing abusive and threatening language to dominate Ghana’s democratic discourse.

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The House is scheduled to sit at noon at Parliament House in Accra after Speaker Alban Bagbin recalled MPs under Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 53 of the Standing Orders.

Although the Speaker’s original notice did not spell out the specific business for the sitting, the reconvening follows a request by the Minority for urgent parliamentary scrutiny of the drug seizures and their implications for national security.

The Minority has cited several seizures since 2025, including the interception of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at France’s Port of Dunkirk in September 2026 from a container that had departed Ghana.

The caucus says the incidents raise questions about Ghana’s ports, customs controls, intelligence gathering and narcotics enforcement systems.

The Minority wants relevant Ministers and officials from institutions including the Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority and National Intelligence Bureau to account to Parliament on the circumstances surrounding the consignments.

Ahead of today’s sitting, First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu has also filed a private members’ motion seeking the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to conduct a parliamentary inquiry into the seizures.

The proposed inquiry would examine the adequacy of scanning, surveillance and intelligence systems at Ghana’s ports, airports and other entry and exit points, as well as the status of investigations, arrests and prosecutions arising from the seizures.

It would also assess cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and their counterparts in countries including France and Australia, and examine efforts to identify the alleged financiers, organisers and wider networks behind major narcotics trafficking operations.

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The motion, filed by First Deputy Minority Whip and Tolon MP Habib Iddrisu, is calling for the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee to examine a number of high-profile drug seizures recorded in Ghana and other countries.

One of the key incidents cited is the seizure of 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine by French Customs at Dunkirk on September 10, 2026, with an estimated value of $261 million.

The motion also refers to the interception of 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine by Australian Border Force on June 18, 2026, as well as cocaine seizures recorded at Takoradi and Pedu in Cape Coast in March 2025.

Under the proposed inquiry, the committee would investigate how the consignments were processed and cleared in Ghana, the ports from which they were exported, and the intelligence and customs procedures applied.

These would include intelligence profiling, scanning, physical inspection and other clearance processes.

The committee would also be expected to establish the identities and roles of companies, state institutions and other entities involved in the processing and clearance of the consignments, subject to restrictions that may arise from ongoing criminal investigations.

The proposed parliamentary inquiry would assess the effectiveness of security systems at Ghana’s ports, airports and other entry and exit points.

Particular attention would be given to scanning, surveillance and intelligence capabilities, as well as possible gaps that may have allowed the consignments to leave the country undetected.

The Minority is also seeking information on investigations, arrests and prosecutions connected to the seizures, alongside an assessment of intelligence sharing and cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and international law-enforcement agencies.

Mr Iddrisu had earlier called for parliamentary scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the 3.9-tonne cocaine seizure in France.

He questioned how such a large consignment could have passed through Ghana without detection.

“Who processed those containers? Who are those who are exporting it? Who were the officers who are on duty?” he asked.

He said the proposed inquiry should determine how the container was processed and exported, while identifying the officials and entities involved.

“Among other things, [the inquiry] will address the circumstances under which the container intercepted in France was processed and exported from Ghana, and the port officials that facilitated this, the identity of the people or the company that is behind the said container,” he said.

The motion also proposes an examination of the wider networks involved in major narcotics trafficking operations, including financiers, organisers and facilitators.

It further calls for legislative, administrative, security and institutional reforms to prevent Ghana from being used as a source, transit route or operational base for international drug trafficking.

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Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, he argued that involving Parliament would be a waste of time, expressing “zero trust” in its ability to investigate the matter and establish what happened.

“I don’t trust Parliament. I have zero trust in Parliament because they have not demonstrated to me that they can insulate themselves from partisan political considerations when they are dealing with national issues. I do not think that the drug issue will change the situation,” he said.

“I have said it will be a useless waste of time to call Parliament; I expect intelligence agencies (to probe the case),” he argued.

His comments follow the Minority’s call for a parliamentary probe after French customs seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk from a container shipped from Ghana.

The Speaker of Parliament has since recalled MPs from their recess to sit on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Mr Fuseini’s position adds to concerns raised on the programme about whether an inquiry by MPs, amid the political dispute over the seizure, would deliver meaningful answers.

Also, Dr John Osae-Kwapong, a fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has expressed doubt that a parliamentary inquiry into the cocaine seizure will produce meaningful results.

“I share the concern that issues come up, and quote unquote nothing comes up; institutions like our Parliament talk a lot about it, and nothing seems to come out of it, and therefore when you hear that Parliament wants to take a look at another institution, your natural response will be that nothing different will come out of it,” he said.

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Parliament said the MP received immediate assistance after he suddenly became unwell during the event and was subsequently taken to a medical facility for further medical attention.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media Relations, David Sebastian Damoah, Parliament confirmed that Mr Sosu remains under the care of his medical team.

“The Honourable Member received immediate assistance at the event and was transferred to a medical facility, where he is receiving medical attention.

“Parliament is pleased to confirm that Hon. Sosu is in stable condition and is under the care of his medical team,” the statement read in parts.

The incident occurred while the Madina MP was speaking at the GIMPA event, where he was sharing his experiences on leadership and public service.

Members of the protocol team reportedly stepped in to prevent him from falling and quickly escorted him from the stage for medical attention.

A video of the incident subsequently circulated widely on social media, triggering concern among members of the public.

Parliament expressed appreciation to GIMPA management and staff, the medical personnel who attended to the MP and others who responded promptly to the situation.

It also thanked the public for the prayers and goodwill messages following the incident.

The legislature, however, urged the public and media organisations to stop circulating the video and refrain from speculating about the cause of Mr Sosu’s condition, citing respect for his privacy and that of his family.

The MP’s office also issued a separate statement indicating that he was doing well and had received the necessary medical attention, while urging the public to disregard unverified reports about the incident.

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A notice issued by the Office of the Speaker on Thursday, September 24, said the sitting will begin at 12 noon at Parliament House in Accra.

The notice, however, does not state the specific business for the emergency sitting.

The recall follows a request by the Minority in Parliament for an extraordinary sitting to examine what it described as urgent national security concerns arising from the drug seizures.

The Minority had invoked Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 53 of Parliament’s Standing Orders, arguing that the scale of the incidents required Parliament’s immediate oversight.

Among the cases cited is the seizure by French authorities of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk on September 10, 2026, from a container that had departed Ghana.

The Minority has also referenced other narcotics seizures since 2025, which it says collectively involve consignments worth more than US$1 billion.

They therefore want Parliament to examine how the shipments were processed, inspected and cleared, as well as the roles played by relevant state and security agencies.

The caucus has called for officials from institutions including the Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority and National Intelligence Bureau, as well as relevant Ministers, to account to Parliament.

The proposed recall had generated differing views among MPs. Some Majority lawmakers argued that the ongoing investigations should be allowed to proceed, with parliamentary committees already having the mandate to scrutinise matters relating to the drug seizures.

Wa West MP and Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Peter Lanchene Toobu, had questioned the need for a full parliamentary recall, saying existing committees could undertake the necessary oversight while the House remained on recess.

South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor also described the recall demand as misplaced, arguing that Parliament should not duplicate investigations being conducted by agencies mandated to deal with narcotics offences.

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In a statement, the group said the latest concern followed the seizure by French customs of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk on September 7, 2026.

The consignment, concealed in a container carrying plastic waste from Ghana, was estimated by French authorities at about €225 million.

CDM said the Dunkirk seizure forms part of a wider pattern of narcotics cases linked to Ghana since 2025.

The group argued that the developments could have consequences for legitimate Ghanaian businesses and travellers if the country becomes increasingly associated with international drug trafficking.

The organisation has therefore backed calls for an emergency sitting of Parliament and urged Speaker Alban Bagbin to establish a bipartisan committee of inquiry.

CDM wants the committee to examine the 2018 decision that excluded the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) from routine physical container inspections, as well as subsequent seizures and port-clearance procedures.

President John Mahama has since directed NACOC to return to joint container inspections and given security agencies two weeks to harmonise their operations.

Read the full statement below:

Mr Frimpong remains in custody in Amsterdam, with his extradition hearing scheduled for November 18, 2026.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr Dafeamekpor said the MP’s legal team had pursued both a substantive bail application and an appeal, but neither was granted.

“The extradition hearing will take place on the 18th of November 2026. He’s still in custody. He’s still in the hands of the Dutch government in Amsterdam. We have done two applications, one substantive, one appeal for his bail, but they all got refused,” he said.

Mr Frimpong was arrested at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam in May 2026 after travelling from Ghana. Parliament subsequently confirmed his detention and said it was engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague for further details.

His detention is linked to allegations involving romance scams and money laundering.

Mr Dafeamekpor said Parliament is now preparing for the substantive extradition hearing in November.

“So we are preparing to deal with the substantive hearing of the matter on the 18th of November,” he said.

He added that Parliament is also preparing a statement on the MP’s current status.

Mr Dafeamekpor has previously urged the media to avoid publishing unverified information about the case, noting that the legal team was still working to obtain official documents relating to Mr Frimpong’s arrest and detention.

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The petition, signed by First Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, invokes Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 53 of the Standing Orders of Parliament.

The Minority says it has secured the constitutionally required 15 per cent of Members of Parliament needed to trigger a request for an extraordinary sitting. Under Article 112(3), the Speaker is required to summon Parliament within seven days of receiving such a request.

At the centre of the petition is the reported seizure by French authorities of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the Port of Dunkirk on September 10, 2026.

According to the Minority, the cocaine was concealed in a container carrying plastic waste that had departed Ghana.

The caucus says the incident raises questions about the security and integrity of Ghana’s ports and export systems, customs controls, intelligence gathering and narcotics enforcement.

The Minority is asking Parliament to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shipment and examine broader institutional and security issues arising from recent narcotics-related incidents.

It wants the House to establish how the container was processed, inspected, cleared and exported from Ghana, as well as the port or facility through which it departed.

The MPs are also seeking information on the companies and institutions involved in processing and clearing the consignment, the progress of investigations and arrests, and the level of cooperation between Ghanaian authorities and their French and other international counterparts.

The petition proposes that officials from the Ministries of Interior, Transport and National Security, together with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Immigration Service and National Intelligence Bureau, among other relevant institutions, appear before Parliament.

The Minority also wants Parliament to assess the adequacy of security, scanning, intelligence and surveillance systems at Ghana’s ports, airports and other points of entry and exit.

The petition places the French seizure within the context of other major drug-related incidents since 2025.

These include the reported interception of more than 3.3 tonnes of cocaine at Pedu Junction in Cape Coast in March 2025, as well as another consignment of about 120 slabs of cocaine reportedly intercepted along the Takoradi-Cape Coast Highway.

The Minority also cited the reported seizure of 866 parcels of suspected cocaine at a warehouse within the Tema Harbour enclave in August 2026.

It further referenced the reported seizure by Australian authorities of 320 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in a charcoal consignment traced to Ghana.

According to the Minority, the incidents collectively raise questions about the effectiveness of Ghana’s narcotics enforcement architecture, border controls and institutional coordination.

The MPs have also raised concerns about the progress of investigations into the 2025 Pedu Junction cocaine seizure.

According to the Minority, more than a year after the seizure, only the driver, a housemaid and a small number of other suspects described as peripheral actors have been arraigned and remain on bail.

The caucus is questioning why the alleged financiers and principal traffickers behind the consignment have not been identified or prosecuted.

The Minority says Parliament must examine the depth and effectiveness of investigations into major narcotics trafficking operations and obtain assurances from the relevant institutions on measures being taken to identify the principal actors.

The MPs argue that the issues cannot reasonably await the ordinary resumption of Parliament because of their implications for national security, public safety, Ghana’s international reputation and the integrity of the country’s ports and borders.

They, however, stress that the proposed parliamentary inquiry is not intended to prejudge the guilt of any individual or interfere with ongoing criminal investigations.

Rather, the Minority says the recall would allow Parliament to exercise its constitutional oversight and accountability responsibilities.

It is therefore asking the Speaker to summon Parliament within the constitutionally prescribed period, facilitate parliamentary deliberations and, where appropriate, institute an inquiry into the incidents and the effectiveness of the relevant security, regulatory and narcotics enforcement institutions.

The petition was submitted on behalf of the MPs by Habib Iddrisu, First Deputy Minority Whip and MP for Tolon.

The petition, signed by the First Deputy Minority Whip and MP for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu, invokes Article 112(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Order 53 of Parliament’s Standing Orders.

The Minority says it has the support of the required 15 percent of MPs, so the Speaker must summon the House within seven days.

The caucus says the recent seizure of cocaine concealed in a container of plastic waste from Ghana at the Port of Dunkirk earlier this month raises serious questions about port security, customs controls, intelligence gathering, and narcotics enforcement.

It wants Parliament to find out how the container was processed, inspected, cleared, and exported, and which port it left through.

It’s also asking about which companies and institutions handled the consignment, how far investigations and arrests have gone, and how closely Ghanaian authorities are working with their French and other foreign counterparts.

The Minority wants the Ministers responsible for Interior, Transport, and National Security to appear before Parliament, along with the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Ghana Immigration Service, and the National Intelligence Bureau.

It also wants Parliament to examine how the financiers and organisers behind big trafficking operations are identified, and whether scanning and surveillance at ports, airports, and other entry and exit points are adequate.

The caucus cited other incidents since 2025 which include more than 3.3 tonnes of cocaine seized at Pedu Junction in March 2025, another consignment of about 120 slabs, and 866 parcels of suspected cocaine found at a warehouse in the Tema Harbour enclave in August 2026.

It also cited the seizure of 320kg of methamphetamine by Australian customs in June 2026, in a charcoal consignment traced to Ghana. By the Minority‘s count, high-profile seizures linked to Ghana under the current administration are worth more than US$1 billion in less than two years.

The caucus also criticised the pace of the Pedu Junction case, saying only the driver, a housemaid, and a few peripheral suspects have been arraigned, and they remain on bail after a whole year. The financiers and principal traffickers are still unidentified.

The Minority says the matters “cannot reasonably await the ordinary resumption of Parliament”.

It stressed that the inquiry would not interfere with ongoing criminal investigations or prejudge anyone. It says the recall would let Parliament carry out its oversight duty and protect the national interest.

Parliament was last recalled in August 2026, at the request of President John Dramani Mahama, to consider urgent government business.

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His comments follow the NPP’s rejection of government’s plans to review the 1992 Constitution.

The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, at a press conference on Thursday, September 17, 2026, announced the NPP would oppose the changes in Parliament and campaign against them at the referendum, insisting that the scale of the proposed reforms goes beyond what should be handled as routine amendments under Chapter 25 of the Constitution.

Reacting to this on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Kpebu said though he agreed with the spirit of the NPP’s proposal, particularly the call for wider consultation, he wasn’t sure another Consultative Assembly was the right vehicle for it.

“The spirit of their suggestion is that there has not been enough consultation. And consultation would not always take place in a consultative assembly,” he said.

Kpebu said his position on the proposal was still evolving. He noted that Ghana had already used a Consultative Assembly to produce the 1992 Constitution and questioned why the country would return to the same model instead of government engaging the NPP directly to find common ground.

“I think for me now, if the government would engage NPP, serious engagement, negotiate with them, then also maybe we can do an online ballot of what they agree on before we go on the referendum,” he said.

He said some proposed reforms could be settled through direct talks between government and the opposition, while others could simply be flagged as areas of broad agreement.

He named the four-year presidential term and the system for electing Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as reforms he believes should stay as they are, and called for non-partisan MMDCE elections.

“We should have free and fair elections, non-partisan, so that for instance, if you want to be MCE of the Kokomlemle area, you can just go ahead. You don’t need political party colours,” he said.

Kpebu argued that a more flexible process allowing wider public input would work better than creating another Consultative Assembly, and warned that adding new structures could delay the entire review.

“The more we create bureaucratic structures, go and do Consultative Assembly, etc., then it doesn’t look like we can do the amendment this side. It means that perhaps it will take place after 2028,” he said.

The Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Sulemana Tampuli Alhassan, announced the party’s position at a press conference on Thursday, September 17, 2026, where he laid out the NPP’s objections to aspects of the ongoing constitutional reform process.

He argued that Ghana’s current parliamentary representation is already substantial for its population size.

Any increase in the number of lawmakers, he said, should be backed by clear evidence that it would fix existing problems in Parliament.

“Both the CRC and the government recommended an expanded legislature. To have a ceiling of 300 legislators. The additional 24 legislators will be based on proportional representation, including women, the youth, and also persons with disabilities. We disagree with both positions. We think that Ghana’s current Parliamentary representation is already substantial in relation to the population,” Tampuli said.

“A country with a population of 240 plus million, such as Nigeria, has both the House of Representatives and the Senate, numbering about 430 for 240 plus million people. We are 32 million and so why do we need more than 276 MPs? There is no demonstrated evidence that increasing the number of Parliamentary seats will necessarily make Parliament more effective.”

The directive follows what the party says are activities being undertaken by some members with apparent parliamentary ambitions across various constituencies.

In a statement dated September 14, 2026, and signed by the NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party said its Functional Executive Committee (FEC) had taken the decision after extensive deliberations.

The party has cautioned members against organising or participating in meetings, engagements, tours, donations, public appearances or any other activities intended, or reasonably perceived, to promote or advance a parliamentary candidature before the official opening of nominations.

According to the NDC, such premature campaign activities are inappropriate and could disrupt the party’s unity, cohesion and orderly functioning.

It warned that members who disregard the directive would face disciplinary action and severe sanctions in accordance with the party’s Constitution, rules and regulations.

The party has also directed all regional, constituency, branch and other party officers to ensure compliance with the directive and report any breaches to the appropriate authorities.

The NDC said it remains committed to a transparent, orderly and credible process for selecting its parliamentary candidates.

It added that the official opening of nominations and applicable guidelines would be communicated at the appropriate time.

The party urged all members to respect its established processes and remain disciplined in the interest of party unity.

Read the statement below:

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The Minority argues that the programme must be redesigned to prioritise areas where there is a genuine need for new market infrastructure, while ensuring that existing markets are rehabilitated and ongoing projects are completed.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, September 14, Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the government must move away from a uniform approach to the programme and instead consider the unique circumstances and development priorities of individual districts.

He stressed the need for deeper consultations with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other relevant stakeholders before decisions are made on the construction of new markets.

According to him, existing district development plans should also play a central role in determining where 24-Hour Market projects are located.

“We in the Minority on behalf of the good people of Ghana call on the government to have a look at the 24-Hour Market programme design and deepen consultation by undertaking an immediate, comprehensive and nonpartisan review.”

He said such a review would help ensure that the programme is driven by genuine community needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

“The programme should be redesigned to be needs-based and demand-driven and implemented only where a genuine need has been established.”

Mr Asenso-Boakye further urged the government to prioritise the completion and rehabilitation of existing market infrastructure instead of constructing new facilities in areas where there may be limited demand.

“Development plans must guide the selection of the project and existing markets should be rehabilitated where necessary and markets already under construction should be completed rather than abandoned.”

The Minority maintained that a needs-based approach would help prevent the inefficient use of public funds and ensure that investments under the 24-Hour Market programme deliver tangible benefits to communities.

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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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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