He stated: “Order 172 sub-order one also states and I quote: where a bill has passed through the consideration stage, the third reading shall not be taken until at least one sitting day has elapsed, unquote. Honourable Members, while the House possesses the power to, under Order 3, suspend any standing order with the leave of the House, it did not do so this time.”

The record of proceedings of Friday May 29, 2026, however, does not support this claim.

After the last consideration with respect to the long title of the bill, the presiding Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor announced an end to the consideration stage of the bill. The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga rose to his feet and called on Speaker to take item 41 on the order paper. With the acceptance of Speaker, Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor rose and moved the motion…

Dafeamekpor: “Speaker, I rise to move that notwithstanding the provision of order 172 rule one of the standing orders which requires that when a bill has passed through the consideration stage, the third reading thereof, shall not be taken until at least one sitting day has elapsed, the motion for the third reading of the human sexual rights and family values bill 2025 may be moved today. Mr. Speaker, I so move.”

Ahiafor: “Honourable Members, motion ably moved. Any second?”

Ayariga: “I rise to second the motion.”

Ahiafor: “Honourable Members, motion move and seconded. It is for the consideration of the House. This being a procedural motion, I’ll put the question; as many as are in favor say aye…, those against say no…”

Members responded aye, and went silent to the no!

Speaker Ahiafor proceeded to declare that “definitely the ayes have it, the motion is carried,”

This allowed for the House to proceed with a third reading of the bill, and subsequent passage on the same day.

It is clear, in the face of this record, that the House suspend Order 172 (1) of the Standing Orders of Parliament before passing the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill 2025, also known as the anti-LGBTQI+ Bill

Speaker Alban Bagbin’s claim is therefore, False!

Already, leading members on the side of the Majority, including the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and Co-Sponsor of the bill, Samuel Nartey George, have indicated their rejection of the appeal from the Speaker to re-consider the bill, for a second passage.

He argued that such a measure lacks public benefit and is unlikely to gain support from lawmakers.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, June 4, Mr. Nyindam said the proposal, announced by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, would struggle to pass parliamentary scrutiny.

“Such a bill will not come to Parliament. It will not even come to Parliament because if it comes to Parliament, it may not even fly,” he said.

Pressed on why he believed the proposal would fail despite the government’s majority in Parliament, the Kpandai MP said:

“It won’t fly because it doesn’t make sense to anybody at all, even those in the Majority. The fact that they have the majority doesn’t mean they are going to use their majority to do anything just like that,” he stated.

The comments follow remarks by Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, where he disclosed that government was preparing a policy proposal that would require age and identity verification before users could access pornographic websites.

According to the minister, the proposal is aimed at shielding children from exposure to explicit online content and mirrors measures being implemented in other jurisdictions.

However, Mr. Nyindam questioned the necessity of introducing legislation to regulate the viewing habits of consenting adults.

He further challenged proponents of the proposal to demonstrate its benefits to ordinary citizens.

“If some adults decide that they want to watch a pornographic show, must it be a headache for Parliament to pass a law that says you must identify yourself with your ID card?” he asked.

While stressing that he supports efforts to protect children from harmful online content, Mr. Nyindam maintained that government’s focus should be directed toward more pressing national concerns.

The lawmaker urged the Communications Ministry to concentrate on reducing data costs, improving digital access, and delivering on key technology and innovation promises made to Ghanaians.

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According to the Minority, Ghana has a long-standing record of successfully evacuating and supporting its citizens during crises abroad, and the recent repatriation efforts should not be portrayed as an extraordinary achievement.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, June 2, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, called on government to intensify measures to provide relief, protection and support for Ghanaians caught up in the violence.

He stressed that the focus should remain on delivering meaningful assistance to affected citizens, rather than on ceremonial displays and media attention around the evacuation exercise.

“The Minister for Foreign Affairs should focus on delivering, he should focus on the substantive work and pay less attention to public relations. Public relations is all well and good. Branding is all well and good. Communication and social media and all of the razzmatazz of welcoming people and singing are all well and good.

“But at the end of the day, what people are looking out for here in Ghana and those in South Africa is that we get the job done. As I have said repeatedly, this is not the first time Ghana has done this. Ghana is reputed to be capable of reaching out to its citizens abroad when they face difficulties,” he said.

His comments come after nearly 300 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.

The attacks have raised concern across the continent, prompting several African governments to take steps to safeguard their citizens and facilitate the return of those seeking refuge from the violence.

His comments come after the Speaker appealed to Parliament to reconsider the controversial bill following concerns surrounding the process that led to its passage on Friday, May 29. Alban Bagbin had indicated that he expected the House to commence consideration of the bill and was surprised to learn that all stages of the legislative process had been completed.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, June 2, Mahama Ayariga maintained that Parliament acted within its Standing Orders and dismissed suggestions that the bill was improperly passed. According to him, the Speaker’s intervention amounts only to an appeal for reconsideration and cannot alter a decision already taken by the House.

“The Speaker is only appealing. He cannot in any way reverse what has happened. What has happened has happened. We have passed many bills the same way, and indeed there was no rule that was breached at all,” Mr. Ayariga stated.

He explained that concerns over the requirement for a bill to wait 24 hours before proceeding to the next stage were addressed through a procedural motion for the abridgement of time, a parliamentary mechanism frequently used to expedite legislative business.

“If you check the Votes and Proceedings, you will see clearly that the procedural motion was moved and allowed by the First Deputy Speaker. We abridged time and that enabled us to take the bill through the third consideration stage. So there was absolutely no breach of procedure,” he said.

Mahama Ayariga also dismissed claims that the legislation could have been withdrawn by one of its sponsors, particularly Assin South MP Rev. John Ntim Fordjour. He argued that the bill had multiple sponsors and that the decision of a single sponsor to withdraw support would not have affected its consideration by Parliament.

“The Honourable Ntim Fordjour could not have withdrawn the bill. He was not the only sponsor. There were several other sponsors, so whatever he threatened to do or not do had no effect whatsoever on the bill and its consideration by the House,” he added.

The debate follows concerns raised by Bosome Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, who indicated that none of the Minority sponsors of the bill was present when Parliament completed the final stages of the legislative process.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Mr. Fordjour questioned the intent behind criticisms of the bill, insisting that its objective has always been clearly understood.

“Did we say we were doing laws to protect those who are announcing LGBTQ+, or to bring it down? That is the question,” he said.

He argued that concerns raised by President John Dramani Mahama regarding possible lapses in the legislative process are valid and consistent with earlier warnings raised by some lawmakers.

“So if the President says there are lapses in the law, it is true. That is what we have been talking about since we were in power and even on the floor of Parliament,” he stated.

Mr. Fordjour further claimed that even the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, expressed surprise at how the bill was passed.

“The Speaker himself said he was surprised at how the law was passed,” he added.

He urged Parliament to take its time and ensure broader consultation before any final decision is made.

“They need to take their time and listen to everyone’s views,” he said.

The MP also noted that he was a co-sponsor of the bill while his party was in power, stressing that the intention has always been to pass and assent the same agreed legislation.

“If the same bill has been presented in Parliament — the one we all know and agreed on — then it should be passed and assented to. But now there are suggestions to remove some parts and review it before it goes to the Presidency. Is that even right?” he questioned.

His comments come after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin directed the House to revisit the passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, following concerns about whether proper parliamentary procedures and bipartisan support requirements were fully met.

The Speaker had earlier described the passage of the bill as surprising, noting that he expected it to be laid for further consideration rather than fully passed at that stage. He subsequently called a crunch meeting with parliamentary leadership to clarify what transpired during the proceedings.

President John Dramani Mahama has also indicated that the bill requires further scrutiny before it can be assented to, citing procedural concerns that still need to be addressed.

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Addressing the House, the Speaker commended Ghanaians, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and MPs for their broad support for what he described as a more comprehensive law on Human Sexual Rights and Family Values.

He also praised the bill’s bipartisan sponsors and the Subsidiary Legislation Committee that worked on it.

However, Bagbin raised concerns about the handling of the bill’s final stages.

He noted that parliamentary records show the bill went through the consideration stage, had its third reading, and was passed on the same day, May 29, 2026.

The Speaker cited Orders 171, 172, and 173 of the Standing Orders. Order 172 requires that amendments agreed during consideration be accurately captured in the bill. At the same time, Order 173 mandates the Clerk to incorporate those amendments and make the revised bill available to MPs before the third reading.

Order 171 also allows any MP to request a second consideration before the third reading, while Order 172(1) states that the third reading must wait at least one sitting day after consideration ends.

Bagbin pointed out that although Order 3 allows the House to suspend Standing Orders, that was not done in this case.

He said concerns have emerged over whether MPs received the final text with all amendments before the third reading.

Some members also complained that the adopted amendments did not match the unanimous position in the committee’s report.

“The eyes of the world are upon this Parliament regarding this bill and its LGBTQ+ implications,” the Speaker said. “Whatever we do must be capable of withstanding legal and constitutional scrutiny.”

He stressed that the bill began as a bipartisan initiative and that laws of national importance should have cross-party cooperation and strict compliance with procedure. “Procedural law is as equally important as substantive law,” he added.

Invoking Order 24B, which enjoins him to promote consensus, Bagbin appealed to MPs to revisit the third reading decision.

He said a second look at the final text would not abandon the bill but would reaffirm Parliament’s commitment to due process, constitutional fidelity, transparency, and legislative certainty.

He urged the House to handle the matter with wisdom, patriotism, and mutual respect to ensure the final law reflects both Parliament’s will and the fullest support of Ghanaians.

He added that it will help in its implementation, which is another area that will be essential in its efficacy.

The Minority, particularly co-sponsor John Ntim Fordjour, has raised concerns over the significant changes of the bill, which do not reflect the objectives and aspirations of the sponsors.

“The exemptions smuggled into the bill make the bill empty”

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Addressing journalists on Monday, June 1, Mr. Bagbin said he was surprised Parliament passed the bill on Friday, noting that he had expected lawmakers to only begin the consideration stage before his departure from the House.

According to him, several stakeholders, including development partners and the United Nations, had submitted memoranda and proposals on the legislation for consideration.

“In fact, when it was passed on Friday, it was even a surprise to me because I knew that they were going to start the consideration of the bill,” he stated.

The Speaker said he has therefore invited leaders of both the Majority and Minority caucuses to review the process and deliberate on the next steps.

He explained that building broad consensus around the legislation is critical to achieving its intended objectives.

“This is such a critical deal that we believe there must be consensus. It’s not about passing the bill; it’s about implementing it and making sure that it benefits the people,” he added.

Parliament on Friday passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, after adopting a number of amendments.

The revised legislation exempts lawyers who provide legal advice or representation to persons identified as LGBTQ+ from sanctions under the law.

Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ-related matters in the course of their professional duties are also exempt from punishment.

Additionally, medical professionals offering surgical, psychological, or counselling services to LGBTQ+ persons will not face sanctions under the legislation.

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The caucus described the changes to the legislation as “dangerous dilutions,” insisting that Parliament should revert to the version passed in 2024.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, June 1, the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who sponsored the Bill, said the amendments have stripped it of its effectiveness and deterrent power.

According to him, the revised Bill no longer reflects the original intentions of lawmakers and lacks the stronger enforcement measures contained in the earlier version.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour further argued that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) had previously supported the Bill in its original form and publicly pledged to ensure its passage without major changes.

He alleged that the amendments represent a departure from that position and accused the government of failing to meet public expectations.

“These are dangerous dilutions we should not allow to go like that. We want the old Bill to come back. The old Bill is what has the teeth, the deterrence, and the teeth to bite,” he said.

Parliament on Friday, May 29, passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, with several amendments, reigniting political debate over its scope and implementation.

The amended version exempts legal practitioners from sanctions for providing legal representation or advice to persons identified as LGBTQ+. Journalists and media organisations reporting on LGBTQ+ issues as part of their professional duties are also protected under the revised law.

Additionally, medical professionals offering surgical, psychological, counselling, or related healthcare services are exempt from punishment under the Bill.

The Minority, however, maintains that these exemptions and other amendments substantially alter the intent of the original legislation and has renewed calls for its full restoration.

Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, South Dayi MP disclosed that the committee handling the bill has completed its work and is ready to table its report before the House.

“The report will be laid on Thursday,” he said.

According to him, Parliament is prepared to move quickly through the remaining stages of the legislative process once the report is presented.

“When it’s laid, we can take the report, debate it, that’s as part of the principles for second reading, and adopt it,” he explained.

“Once it’s adopted, we move into consideration. Consideration, we can even decide to do consideration on Friday, and pass.”

The Majority Chief Whip argued that Parliament was not dealing with an entirely new piece of legislation, as the House had already approved an earlier version of the bill.

“You see, the Ghanaian family values bill, we have already passed it,” he said.

“It was a certain president who decided not to sign, so the terms of the bill are essentially what parliament had already passed.”

His comments suggest the governing party intends to speed up the legislative process rather than reopen prolonged debates on issues lawmakers believe have already been settled.

When asked whether the bill would be passed this year, Mr Dafeamekpor insisted Parliament would complete work on it within weeks.

“Yes, in a couple of weeks, not even months,” he said.

“We’ll pass it once we do the second reading on Thursday or Friday, and with consideration, we can pass it.”

He also defended plans for an expedited process, arguing that Parliament should not be accused of abusing urgency procedures, since lawmakers were already familiar with the bill’s contents.

“But when we do consideration expeditiously, let the NPP not shout that we are abusing the certificate of urgency,” he stated.

“It will be rapidly done, because we cannot be reenacting what we have already read.”

The comments are likely to intensify debate over the controversial legislation, which has drawn strong reactions both locally and internationally since it was first introduced in Parliament.

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The Majority Chief Whip disclosed the development during an interview on PM Express on JoyNews, amid growing public interest in the circumstances surrounding the legislator’s arrest and detention in Amsterdam.

According to Mr Dafeamekpor, legal representatives involved in the case have indicated that Dutch authorities are treating the matter as part of ongoing financial crime investigations.

He, however, stressed that no court has established guilt, insisting that the MP remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“It is an allegation, my brother,” he said during the interview, cautioning against drawing conclusions while investigations are ongoing.The comments come as the case continues to generate political and public debate in Ghana, particularly over the international nature of the allegations and the legal processes being pursued abroad.

Mr Dafeamekpor argued that allegations of fraud or money laundering, whether raised locally or internationally, must be treated strictly within the framework of due process.

“A crime is a crime. Allegation of a crime is an allegation of a crime,” he stated.

The South Dayi MP also questioned the duration of the detention, asking whether it was normal for a suspect to be held for extended periods while investigations continue.

“Do you detain somebody for this long under investigations?” he asked.

He noted that lawyers representing the MP have already filed a bail application in a Dutch court, which is expected to be heard within the week.

Mr Dafeamekpor expressed optimism that the application would be successful, allowing the MP temporary release while investigations continue.

“We think he will prevail with the bail application,” he said.

The Majority Chief Whip further disclosed that Parliament, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague have been involved in coordinating support for the detained legislator.

He added that discussions had been ongoing with the MP’s family, who have been receiving updates on the legal process.

The case remains under judicial consideration in the Netherlands, with Ghanaian authorities closely monitoring developments as diplomatic and legal efforts continue.

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The call comes as Muslims across the country and the world prepare to mark one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, commemorating sacrifice, obedience and devotion to God.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus, the Member of Parliament for Salaga, Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among all religious groups during the celebrations.

According to her, Ghana’s longstanding reputation for religious tolerance remains one of the country’s greatest strengths and must be protected at all times, especially during major religious observances.

“Ghana’s strength lies in our religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence,” she stated.

“As we celebrate, I urge all Ghanaians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to observe Eid-ul-Adha in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect and harmony,” she added.

The caucus also extended goodwill messages to the broader Muslim community, encouraging worshippers to embrace the values of peace, unity and respect as they engage in prayers, sacrifices and festive activities across the country.

Mrs Ibrahimah further urged Muslims to reflect on the core teachings of Eid-ul-Adha, including sacrifice, obedience to God, compassion for others and generosity toward the less privileged.

“As we mark this occasion, may the lessons of sacrifice, obedience and compassion inspire all of us in Parliament and across Ghana to place the common good above self-interest and to work together for a just, united and prosperous nation,” she said.

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Speaking at the launch at Parliament House, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Children and Social Protection and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Krachi West, Helen Ntosu, said the era of policymaking for underrepresented groups without their input was over.

“Citizens, especially the youth, now seek platforms to be heard in decision-making processes,” Madam Ntosu said.

“This shift reflects Ghana’s commitment to openness, transparency, and the building of public trust,” she explained.

A statement issued by the Director of Media Relations at the Parliamentary Service, David Sebastian Damoah, to the Ghana News Agency on Monday said the initiative was a partnership between the Parliament of Ghana, the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), UNICEF, and the Learning Tree Foundation.

The statement further explained that the Mini Parliament allows children to assume the roles of MPs and debate real issues in a structured educational setting.

The Chief Social Policy and Inclusion Officer at UNICEF, Paulina Sarvilahati, underscored the importance of child participation, recalling that Ghana was the first country in the world to ratify the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be protected. You deserve to go to school and achieve your dreams,” she told the young participants, urging them to be bold and confident in sharing their views.

Superintendent (Retd.) Effia Tenge, Parliament’s Director of Public Engagement, said the department had hosted over 44,000 visitors from 2023 to 2025, with more than 70 per cent being primary and junior high school pupils.

She noted that many young visitors struggled to grasp parliamentary procedures, prompting the need for a more interactive approach.

“The Mini Parliament is a practical, interactive platform that enables children to assume the roles of Members of Parliament and debate national issues affecting young people.

“The vision is to ensure that the Ghanaian of tomorrow is capable of making meaningful contributions to national progress,” she said.

At the inaugural sitting, participants debated the topic, “Responsible Use of Technology by Children,” focusing on online safety, digital responsibility, and the impact of technology on well-being.

Officials from the Cyber Security Authority also led a session on internet safety, cyberbullying, and protecting personal information.

Some officials praised the initiative as a step toward building civic responsibility from a young age.

The Divisional Head of Public Affairs, Kate Addo, commended the children for their confidence and eloquence, urging them to remain disciplined and committed to academic excellence.

Dr Rasheed Draman, ACEPA Executive Director, said early exposure to governance structures would help nurture responsible and informed citizens.

Manye Naa Badu Diaba I, Queen Mother of the Dzorwulu Abelemkpe Subdivision Stool, also encouraged the children to uphold good moral values and listen to guidance from parents and teachers.

Parliament says the Mini Parliament will continue as part of efforts to strengthen youth engagement and prepare future leaders through practical civic education.

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His comments come as Parliament continues to roll out reforms aimed at deepening public engagement, including expanded media coverage and wider digital access to parliamentary proceedings.

Speaking at a Leadership Media Briefing on Friday, May 22, 2026, as the House resumed sitting, Mr. Ayariga said Ghana’s legislature has made notable progress in openness, especially through the live broadcast of proceedings.

“In Africa, we are one of the most open parliaments. In fact, we are number two in Africa. I believe that our aspiration is that we become number one in Africa,” he said.

He also noted that discussions often arise about how parliaments are classified and compared across countries, pointing out that Ghana operates a unicameral system.

“There is an issue whether we should be put in the category of those who practise bicameral parliament. We have a unicameral Parliament. But they have number one, and we followed,” he explained.

Mr. Ayariga added that recent reforms, particularly the introduction of live television coverage of parliamentary proceedings, have significantly improved transparency and public oversight.

“Now that we have live television broadcasting of our proceedings, in the next rating they might probably review that and Ghana may climb to the top as a parliament,” he said.

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He said the law only required the security agencies to notify him of the circumstances surrounding the arrest or invitation of an MP for investigations.

Addressing the House on Thursday [May 21, 2026] at the opening of the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, Mr Bagbin said there was a misconception that the Speaker’s approval was needed before an MP could be apprehended.

“That is not the state of the law,” he said.

Notification requirement

Mr Bagbin explained that once informed, he would assess the situation in line with the law to determine whether the MP involved enjoyed any parliamentary privilege or immunity.

“They must only inform me of incidents involving MPs as to whether they had gone on the wrong side of the law or not,” he said.

The Speaker added that the notification must include the allegations or circumstances that had led to the arrest or invitation for questioning.

Key bills before House

Touching on the business before the House, Mr Bagbin said the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025, although passed by the Eighth Parliament, would have to be reintroduced and go through the full legislative process again.

He explained that as a Private Member’s Bill, due process had to be followed.

“It is taking time because we have to abide by the law,” he said.

On the Property Rights of Spouses Bill, 2025, the Speaker noted that the proposed legislation had been before Parliament for several years.

He said despite challenges delaying its passage, the House continued to give the bill special attention because of its importance in promoting fairness and protecting family stability.

Transition and conduct bills

Mr Bagbin also highlighted the Parliamentary Transition Bill, which has been pending before the House since 2022.

He described the bill as crucial to ensuring smooth transitions from one Parliament to another.

“We passed a law for Executive transition but left that for Parliament,” he said, recalling the tensions that characterised the election of the Speaker in 2021.

“We do not want to experience this kind of bad precedent again,” he added.

The Speaker further referenced the Parliament Bill, 2025, saying it contained provisions aimed at regulating the conduct and behaviour of MPs.

According to him, the bill would help instil ethics and decency in public office.

He urged committees and MPs to treat the various bills with seriousness and cooperation.

Minority criticism

The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, in a speech read on his behalf, criticised the government over the state of the economy and governance.

In a speech read on his behalf, he accused the administration of President John Dramani Mahama of presiding over “failure, scandal and deepening suffering”.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the recess period had been marked by the return of power outages, popularly known as dumsor, and increasing public anxiety.

He also accused the government of targeting members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) through arrests.

Seal of global approval

The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, said the final apocalyptic collapse of Ghana’s economy witnessed in 2022, with all macroeconomic indicators “gasping for air,” was entirely avoidable.Ghana Investment Opportunities

On what had changed with the exit plan from the IMF, he said the government had opted for the Fund’s policy coordination instrument (PCI), which was a non-financial advisory and monitoring tool provided to allow Ghana to design and implement its own economic reforms without receiving a financial bailout.

“It acts essentially as a global seal of approval for the government’s fiscal arrangement.

“This master stroke in economic diplomacy could not have been achieved without the backing of the President, whose mission this time around is legacy and respect,” he said.

Rather, he said, their responsibility is to formally inform his office once such action is taken, along with the circumstances and allegations behind it.

Addressing Members of Parliament during the Second Meeting of the Second Session of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, Mr. Bagbin said there is a growing misunderstanding that security agencies must first obtain approval from the Speaker before acting against lawmakers.

He explained that his office’s role is limited to being notified, after which it may assess whether parliamentary privilege or immunity is engaged in the matter.

“It’s not for the security agents to seek my permission before arresting or inviting a Member of Parliament for questioning. It’s not. It’s for them to inform me and include the circumstances or the allegations that have created the suspicion,” he said.

Mr. Bagbin added that once notified, Parliament can then determine whether any constitutional protections apply in each specific case.

The clarification comes amid renewed public debate over the legal protections afforded to MPs in criminal investigations and the limits of parliamentary immunity.

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The MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, was arrested at Schiphol Airport on May 8, 2026, over allegations linked to money laundering, a development that has triggered concern within Parliament and among his constituents.

Addressing the House, Speaker Bagbin urged calm, stressing that the appropriate diplomatic and legal channels are being engaged to ensure the MP’s rights are protected.

He called on the public, especially the MP’s family and constituents, to remain patient as discussions and interventions continue.

Mr. Bagbin also cautioned Members of Parliament and the public to exercise restraint in their commentary on the matter, emphasizing the need to respect due process and legal protocols.

He further clarified what he described as misconceptions regarding the treatment of MPs under the law, noting that appropriate procedures must always be followed in matters involving lawmakers.

The Speaker’s remarks come amid growing public and parliamentary concern over the arrest, with the Minority earlier calling for stronger diplomatic intervention from government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The Independent Member of Parliament was arrested at Schiphol Airport on May 8, 2026, over allegations linked to money laundering.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, May 21, Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei said the situation carries serious reputational risks for Ghana.

She noted that while government, Parliament, and Ghana’s mission in The Hague are reportedly providing legal and consular support, more decisive action is needed.

“We understand that the government, Parliament, and our Mission in The Hague are securing legal representation and consular support. We acknowledge that support, but that is not sufficient,” she said.

According to her, the development has already begun to affect Ghana’s image on the international stage.

“This arrest has inflicted a deeply damaging blow to Ghana’s international reputation. Our country’s name has been dragged through European headlines in a manner that reflects poorly on this Parliament and the nation,” she stated.

She therefore called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Speaker to intensify engagement and provide a formal public response.

“We call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Speaker to intensify engagement and issue a formal statement,” she added.

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His assurance comes amid calls from the Minority Caucus for a full parliamentary probe into the circumstances surrounding the agreement between the state and a company linked to a brother of the President.

The Minority, led by Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Apiagyei, has raised concerns over the deal, arguing that the circumstances and recent public interactions between the parties involved warrant closer parliamentary examination.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Ayariga acknowledged the Minority’s position but stressed that Parliament would have the opportunity to review the agreement when it is formally presented to the House.

He assured that the process would address any concerns raised and ensure proper oversight, setting the stage for further parliamentary engagement as both sides continue to debate its implications.

The Damang Mine takeover marks a significant shift in Ghana’s mining sector, following a competitive bidding process after the expiration of Gold Fields’ lease, with Engineers and Planners emerging as the successful bidder under government supervision.

A total of four companies submitted bids before the March 31, 2026 deadline. These included Vortex Resources Mining Group, Engineers and Planners Ltd, Heath Goldfields Ltd, and Maripoma Mining Services Ltd.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on April 7, 2026, confirmed the approval of the competitive tender outcome for the Damang Mining Lease, following recommendations by the Minerals Commission’s Tender Committee.

The Ministry disclosed that it had received the Committee’s report in line with the Minerals and Mining (Licensing) Regulations, 2012 (LI 2176). Based on the evaluation, Engineers and Planners Ltd (E&P) emerged as the successful bidder.

The Ministry stated that the recommendation had been approved, with directives issued to the Minerals Commission to take the necessary regulatory steps to implement the decision.

According to the report, E&P met all mandatory requirements outlined in the tender notice, including providing evidence of access to financing above the minimum threshold of 500 million US dollars. The company was also found to possess the technical expertise and operational experience required for the Damang mine, alongside proposals aimed at extending the mine’s lifespan beyond ten years.

The Tender Committee further indicated that E&P achieved the highest score based on the evaluation criteria, demonstrating the strongest capacity to manage the operations effectively.

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The legislative agenda is expected to cover transport, energy, justice, security, and governance reforms.

The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has outlined some of the major bills expected before the House in the coming weeks.

According to him, Parliament is expected to consider the Maritime and Related Offences Bill once the Committee on Transport submits its report for its second reading.

“We expect to receive the Maritime and Related Offences Bill from the Committee on Transport because it’s been moved, the first reading done and referred to the committee to bring a report for the second reading,” he said.

He added that Parliament will also receive reports on the Road Traffic Regulations, as well as bilateral air service agreements between Ghana and countries including Luxembourg, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

On the energy front, lawmakers are expected to debate proposed amendments to laws governing the National Petroleum Authority, alongside legislation on private sector participation in electricity distribution.

Parliament is also expected to consider the proposed Nuclear Power Corporation Bill 2026 and a bill seeking to establish a Renewable Energy Authority.

“We want to establish a statutory entity that will coordinate renewable energy issues like solar and wind,” Mr. Dafeamekpor explained.

The Majority Chief Whip further disclosed that the Interior Ministry is expected to lay before Parliament a Community Service Bill aimed at reducing congestion in prisons by introducing non-custodial sentencing for minor offences.

In addition, lawmakers are expected to consider amendments to the National Identity Register law, prison parole regulations, and proposed legislation intended to improve coordination among security agencies.

“There have been complaints about activities of security operatives… so the new legislation is to take care of that,” he noted.

Parliament will also deliberate on a proposed Code of Conduct Bill aimed at strengthening rules on asset declaration and ethical standards in public office.

Meanwhile, Constitutional Instrument (CI) 47, which governs civil procedure at the High Court, is expected to undergo review to consolidate several amendments into a single legal framework.

“There have been so many amendments… we think it’s time to consolidate these issues into a new procedure code,” he added.

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Speaking in an interview on Adom TV’s Badwam, he insisted that Parliament, as the institution that embodies the sovereignty of the Ghanaian people, cannot be treated as a secondary actor in matters involving one of its own members.

“In this matter, it is Parliament that is involved because the detainee is their member. The government stands on its own, but Parliament also stands as a sovereign institution within the Republic,” he said.

Al-Wahab stressed that while law enforcement and international cooperation are important, the handling of the case must reflect Ghana’s constitutional structure.

“Parliament makes laws for the Executive. In this regard, when a Member of Parliament is involved, it is one of their own. Parliament is not just another agency, it represents the sovereignty of Ghana,” he argued.

He further questioned public interpretations surrounding the circumstances of the arrest, particularly claims of an Interpol “Red Notice” or global security alert. According to him, available information suggests otherwise.

“People are talking about FBI Red Alert and Interpol Red Notice. That is not correct. What we are seeing is a bench warrant from a United States District Court, transmitted through legal channels,” he explained.

Al-Wahab also noted that international arrests often follow structured airline and border security procedures, rather than sensationalised narratives.

He referenced the transit route through Amsterdam, explaining that such stops are common in international travel and do not necessarily indicate a coordinated global security operation.

“At Schiphol Airport, profiling is done by airline-appointed systems and international databases. That is standard procedure, it is not evidence of a worldwide manhunt,” he said.

On the question of diplomatic response, he argued that Parliament should have immediately engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.

“If a sitting MP is arrested, Parliament should call in the Foreign Minister and activate the diplomatic corps. This is not a small matter,” he stated.

He also raised broader concerns about how international legal requests are processed, particularly those originating from U.S. district courts.

“In most of these cases, it is not Interpol-driven. It is a legal request from a district court, processed through mutual agreements. It is not automatic global policing,” he added.

Al-Wahab concluded by urging caution in public discourse, warning that misinterpretations of international legal processes can inflame tensions and mislead citizens.

“The world has protocols. We must understand them before we conclude. This is not just a legal matter, it is also a matter of sovereignty and diplomacy,” he said.

The comments come amid growing public debate over the arrest of Mr. Frimpong, who is serving his first term and its implications for Ghana’s parliamentary and diplomatic processes.

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In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament said it had officially been informed of the incident and is currently engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to gather more details.

According to the statement, the Rt. Hon. Speaker and the leadership of Parliament are in close contact with the mission to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the detention of the Independent MP.

“It has come to the attention of Parliament that the Hon. Member for Asante Akyem North Constituency, Mr. Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.

“The Rt. Hon. Speaker and the leadership of the House are in touch with Ghana’s Mission in The Hague for detailed information on the matter. The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement said.

Parliament further assured the public that updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

In a notice issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, the Office of the Speaker called on Members of Parliament to reconvene for the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic.

The directive was issued in accordance with Order 58 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, which empowers the Speaker to summon the House.

Parliament has been on recess since March 27, 2026, when the First Meeting of the Second Session was adjourned sine die after eight weeks of sittings. During that period, the House held 32 sittings and passed several bills.

The break also coincided with the Easter season, giving MPs the opportunity to return to their constituencies.

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The session, organised by the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs in collaboration with UNICEF Ghana, took place at the Coconut Grove Hotel in Accra.

The training focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of child safeguarding, age-appropriate communication, and the need for inclusive and responsible representation of children in media coverage.

Facilitators emphasised the importance of protecting children’s rights in journalism, urging participants to be intentional and ethical in their storytelling.

They encouraged careful use of language and images, stressing that media practitioners must always uphold the dignity of children featured in their reports.

Participants were also reminded of the need to seek consent before taking or publishing photographs involving minors, in line with global standards and the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

According to facilitators, ethical journalism goes beyond professional obligation and plays a direct role in shaping the well-being and future of children.

The session featured real-life case studies and interactive exercises, helping participants connect ethical principles to everyday reporting practices.

Organisers say the initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure that media narratives not only inform the public but also contribute to protecting children and promoting their rights.

In a letter dated March 30, 2026, addressed to the Secretary to the President at the Jubilee House, the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, confirmed the submission of nine certified copies of each bill passed by the House.

The bills include the Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025; the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences Bill, 2025; the Ghana Deposit Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the Education Regulatory Bodies (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The Clerk requested that the President signify his assent to the bills in accordance with Article 106(7) of the 1992 Constitution.

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The warning follows Afenyo-Markin’s sharp critique of Dr Ayensu-Danquah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, during parliamentary proceedings on the Governance Advisory Council Bill, 2025.

Tensions arose when Dr Ayensu-Danquah moved a motion for the bill to be read a second time.

“I move that the Governance Advisory Council Bill 2025 be now read a second time,” she said.

Afenyo-Markin immediately challenged the motion, questioning her approach on the floor.

“We want to understand what is happening in this chamber. We want to know if this House is no longer a House of procedure. What did the Deputy Minister of Health just do? Move the motion to what effect? If the Majority wants someone to do it, they should teach the person to do it the right way,” he said.

In response, Mahama Ayariga described the comments as part of a pattern of attacks on Dr Ayensu-Danquah and urged the Minority Leader to desist.

“This attitude of always attacking this particular Member of Parliament must stop. At every opportunity, he tries to attack her. Mr Speaker, what is the meaning of this? Is there something we need to know? To always attack her the way you do is not fair,” Ayariga stated.

Despite the heated exchanges, Parliament passed the Governance Advisory Council Bill, 2025. The legislation aims to strengthen accountable governance by promoting collaboration among institutions, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and providing strategic policy guidance.

The Council will also support evidence-based decision-making, monitor governance performance, and promote transparency and participatory democracy in Ghana.

He lamented the persistent lateness, and absenteeism and urged MPs to bury these conducts with Christ, praying for renewed zeal to serve the nation upon resurrection.

Mr. Bagbin, however, commended the MPs for their dedication, saying, their “sacrificial sweat continues to irrigate the gardens of parliamentary democracy.”

He also urged MPs to reconnect with constituents during the Easter break, gathering perspectives to guide future work.

The Session saw the passage of key Bills, including the Legal Education Bill, and approval of financial disbursement formulas for 2026.

Pending Bills, such as the Parliamentary Transition Bill, await further consideration.

Mr. Bagbin praised the Clerk to Parliament, Parliamentary Service Staff, and media for supporting Parliament’s work, saying their efforts “bring Parliament closer to the people.”

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Parliament reconvened for the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Fourth Republic.

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The proposed committee was expected to examine the scheme’s design, implementation, governance structure, financial performance, as well as its environmental and public health implications.

The motion was sponsored by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ofoase-Ayirebi and Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; the MP for Manso Nkwanta, Tweneboah Kodua Fokuo; the MP for Weija/Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib; the MP for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah; and the MP for Offinso South, Dr Fred Kyei Asamoah.

It was formally moved by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and seconded by the MP for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare.

However, following a prolonged debate on the floor, the House rejected the motion by a voice vote, with the Speaker declining a request by the Minority Leader to conduct a secret ballot.

Case for the probe

Arguing in favour of the motion, Mr Afenyo-Markin said the gold purchasing initiative was intended to bring economic relief to Ghanaians but had instead resulted in significant financial losses.

He said the programme should not become a vehicle for draining public resources at a time when citizens were grappling with economic hardship.

According to him, within the first nine months of the operations of the Gold Board, an estimated $214 million had been lost.

“In this Parliament, the sovereign custodian of national interest is entitled, indeed, to know the charges that are going into individual pockets. Mr Speaker, it is my contention that this is a golden betrayal…,” he said.

He further argued that Parliament had both the authority and responsibility to investigate such matters under Article 103 of the Constitution.

“Mr Speaker, that provision exists precisely for moments like this. When a public institution entrusted with a strategic national resource has allegedly failed to catastrophically ensure that it protects public funds. Parliament must intervene,” he said.

He added that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report had flagged concerns about the scheme, indicating that the Bank of Ghana recorded losses of $214 million within nine months.

Majority pushes back

In response, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, criticised the motion and questioned the commitment of its sponsors, noting that some had failed to appear in the House to support the debate.

He argued that Parliament was not mandated to investigate such schemes in the manner proposed and described the Minority’s arguments as weak.

Mr Ayariga also maintained that the Gold-for-Reserves initiative was not designed as a profit-making venture but rather as a strategic policy tool.

“Gold for Reserves is designed as a mechanism for enabling us to harness the opportunities that exist in our domestic gold production, to create reserves and deal with macroeconomic issues where we will actually make the profits.

“When you design a system like that, there would be a cost because you do not want gold miners to sell to smugglers,” he said.

He explained that the costs associated with incentivising miners to sell through official channels could be recorded as losses in the short term but were part of a broader economic strategy.

The rejection of the motion means the proposed parliamentary inquiry will not proceed, leaving the debate over the performance and accountability of the Gold-for-Reserves programme unresolved.

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The Bill responds to growing concerns about inefficiencies in public expenditure, project cost overruns, delays in implementation, and weak monitoring systems.

By granting statutory authority to conduct value-for-money assessments, Parliament has taken a decisive step towards enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public financial management.

When the bill is assented by the president, it will fill a critical gap in Ghana’s accountability framework, which has traditionally focused on financial and compliance audits under the Service Act, 2000 (Act 584) and the oversight powers of the Auditor-General as provided in Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution.

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These mechanisms, while important, have largely emphasized procedural compliance rather than evaluating whether public funds achieve value for money.

The new legislation empowers the Office to undertake systematic evaluations of government programmes and projects to determine whether resources are being utilised economically, efficiently, and effectively.

The legislation, which contains 67 clauses, provides for the establishment of the Office, its objects, and core functions.

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It also introduces a digital management platform to facilitate real-time monitoring of projects, enhance data accuracy, and support analytical reporting.

The Committee on Finance, however, cautioned against duplication of existing systems and stressed the need for interoperability with national databases, as well as strong cybersecurity safeguards.

In line with international best practices, the Value-for-Money Office mirrors similar frameworks in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Slovakia and the United States of America.

Its establishment underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening fiscal discipline, improving service delivery outcomes, and ensuring transparency in the use of public funds.

The Committee emphasized that while the Office will enjoy financial autonomy, it must remain subject to strict reporting standards and periodic audits to safeguard accountability.

It further recommended clear procedural safeguards for assessments, including notice requirements, timelines, and reporting obligations, to prevent jurisdictional overlap with other oversight institutions.

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The legislation, now awaiting assent from John Dramani Mahama, effectively brings an end to the long-held exclusivity of the Ghana School of Law in providing professional legal education. It opens the door for accredited universities across the country to offer such training.

At the heart of the new law is the creation of a Council for Legal Education and Training. This body will oversee and regulate legal education nationwide, ensuring uniform standards and harmonised curricula. Universities that receive accreditation from the Council will be authorised to run the Law Practice Training Course, with graduates proceeding to sit for a National Bar Examination.

Addressing the House, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga framed the development as a key policy delivery by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“As has been typical of the NDC, promises made are delivered. We promised law students reforms that ensure equity, fairness, and access to legal education, and today, we have delivered,” he stated.

On the other side of the aisle, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin acknowledged the importance of the reform but pressed the government to follow through on other commitments made to the public.

He noted that while the passage of the bill is significant, many Ghanaians are still expecting progress on other major promises.

The new law signals a decisive move toward decentralising legal education in Ghana, expanding access and creating alternative pathways for prospective lawyers beyond the traditional structure of the Ghana School of Law.

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“I am not the traditional MP. I am doing my own thing and not looking at anyone,” he said on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, underscoring how his personal ethos defines his public service.

Before entering Parliament, he explained, he mobilised funds and resources independently—often out of pocket or through personal influence via The People’s Project (TPP) initiative. However, he noted that access to the Common Fund has now made his work easier.

“Now, the government gives me the Common Fund and it makes the work easy,” he said. “People say it is not enough, but there are a lot of things that can be done.”

A-Plus, who won the seat as an independent after a long career as a musician and activist, said his transition into Parliament did not come with unexpected challenges, adding that his sense of achievement is not driven by public praise.

“When I got to the House, there are certain things that I am really impressed with, so most of the things don’t come to me as a surprise. I get excited when we are able to help someone get a scholarship to go to school. I don’t want the person to come and thank me—I get excited because naturally God has directed me to help people,” he said.

He emphasised that gratitude from constituents is not his motivation, noting that he is not disappointed when people fail to show appreciation after receiving support.

The MP also made it clear that he has no interest in government contracts or personal enrichment through public office.

“I don’t spend or steal government money, so if someone does that, I will tell the person my mind and the truth. I am not greedy, so I will not even fight with an assemblyman or DCE over a project. I don’t fight over school feeding contracts because I don’t even like government contracts,” he stated.

He described his relationship with local officials as collaborative rather than competitive, citing a recently completed health project as evidence of effective cooperation.

“The DCE was my friend before his appointment. He is a very good guy and doing very well. The DCE and the assembly told me they were going to build a CHPS compound and in three months, they did it. So, I trust them.”

“If I set out to do something, nobody can stop me. Now when people say something, I don’t even take it seriously,” he added.

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Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, he explained that his focus is on addressing the needs and priorities of his constituents rather than merely making contributions during parliamentary proceedings.

“Those MPs who talk in Parliament, what do they say?” he asked rhetorically, downplaying the emphasis on speeches. “I want to build the biggest industrial park in Africa. I want to build and be an industrialist.”

The independent MP admitted that the reality of legislative work differed from his initial expectations.

“Before Parliament, I thought we would just go and talk. But when I got there, I realised we just talk, and I don’t have any interest in that. Those who want to talk can go ahead,” he said.

For A-Plus, impact matters more than rhetoric. He stressed his desire to leave a lasting legacy through tangible development.

“I want to leave a legacy I will be remembered for,” he noted, emphasising his focus on real outcomes over political posturing.

He also acknowledged the tension between parliamentary responsibilities and the expectations of constituents.

“I like to take and have an opinion on every issue, but the mandate of the Constitution for an MP and what the people who elected you expect are different. That’s why I follow what is in the Constitution and consider whether it will help me return,” he explained.

“I have seen that my people need jobs, and that is my priority,” he added.

A-Plus’ remarks highlight a shift from the traditional view of MPs as lawmakers primarily engaged in debate, towards a model of public service focused on industrialisation, economic development, and delivering measurable results for constituents.

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Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Obeng explained that he is unconcerned about criticisms over his perceived low participation in parliamentary debates, stressing that talking alone does not drive development.

He noted that his priority is transforming his constituency through job creation and industrial growth, including plans to establish what he describes as the largest industrial park in Africa.

Mr. Obeng added that his initiatives, particularly in youth empowerment and support for women, are already producing tangible results.

He emphasised that his constituents are satisfied with his performance and continue to support his development-focused agenda.

“I don’t worry about people saying that I don’t speak prominently. Before going to Parliament, I thought the focus was on talk, but once I got there, I realized it’s much more than that. I want to build the biggest industrial park in Africa, and talking alone won’t achieve that. I’m not interested in just discussions; I want to be an industrialist.

“The mandate that the constitution gives to an MP is different from what the people who elected you expect. I understand my duties in Parliament, and I see that my community needs jobs—they appreciate the work I’m doing. Everyone in Gomoa is proud of our efforts, and my people are excited about what we are building together. I genuinely don’t care about the opinions of others. My focus is on youth and women’s development. My constituency is one of the few areas that has provided loans to women, and the repayment rate has been 100%. The people trust me,” he stated.

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In an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, March 25, Abena Osei-Asare expressed frustration that members were asked to leave a committee meeting under the pretext of urgent government business, only to find that parliamentary sittings had not even begun.

“When you are given opportunity in a very special way, I say in a very special way, looking at the majority of seats that Ghanaians have given to the NDC, you don’t abuse it. I see this clearly as an abuse of their majority. Why do I say so? I thought there was an urgent government business on the floor.

“We closed from the Public Accounts Committee and then went to the chamber, thinking there was urgent government business on the floor. Sittings hadn’t even begun,” the chairperson said.

The PAC chair further explained that while invited officials from various ministries, departments, and agencies were waiting to provide explanations for the audit, members were forced to leave due to quorum issues, delaying the committee’s work.

“Eventually, when the sitting began, we started with statements. Statements are important, but are they so important that we ask people to leave who are here to explain the audit?” she questioned.

The PAC chair insisted the majority was wrong, stating, “Looking at the majority of seats that Ghanaians have given to the NDC, you don’t abuse it. This is how the majority is abusing the trust that Ghanaians have put in them.”

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Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he argued that the ruling NDC, which holds a commanding majority in Parliament, has sufficient numbers to meet quorum requirements without relying on the Minority.

“For the past three days, the numbers of the Majority MPs have not been encouraging,” he said, noting that with 189 seats, the Majority should easily meet quorum obligations, especially at the committee level.

“You have 189 MPs, and at the PAC, our strength is 24: 6 Minority MPs and 18 Majority MPs. Eighteen out of 189—they can still form a quorum,” he stressed.

Mr. Opoku added that the Majority has ample capacity to sustain committee work if properly mobilised. “They can even run 24-hour shifts in three rotations and still manage,” he remarked.

He said the decision to halt committee proceedings has disrupted critical parliamentary work, particularly the ongoing scrutiny of the Auditor-General’s report. The Committee had been given a two-week timeline to examine the report following a directive from the Finance Ministry.

“So I wonder why such a public interest case… the Majority can use a whip system to stop the process,” he said.

Mr. Opoku further noted that key individuals, including officials nearing retirement, had already been invited to appear before the Committee. However, the Majority’s inability to mobilise its members has stalled the process. “Because of the Majority’s failure to gather their numbers, they decided to stampede the process,” he added.

He rejected claims that heavy parliamentary business in the chamber justified the suspension of committee sittings, noting, “It is not the Auditor-General who asked us to look into the report. It was the Deputy Finance Minister.”

Insisting that quorum requirements do not demand the presence of all MPs, Mr. Opoku argued that the Majority can proceed independently. “You don’t need 276 MPs in a chamber to administer heavy parliamentary business… the NDC can form a quorum with or without the NPP, so what are they talking about?” he questioned.

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The committee will conduct its hearings during Parliament’s recess, running from Monday through Thursday, April 2.

The PAC Chair, in an interview on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, March 25, indicated that the original three-week deadline for the audit review is not feasible due to delays caused by earlier interruptions in parliamentary proceedings.

The controversy follows the sudden withdrawal of Majority members from a committee sitting, forcing proceedings to be halted in its probe into a special audit report on GH¢68 billion in government arrears.

Madam Osei-Asare stressed that the committee is ready to continue its work and called for full cooperation from all members to ensure transparency and accountability in the audit of public funds.

The audit report, presented to the Parliament of Ghana on Tuesday, 10 March, was submitted by the Ministry of Finance through Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem, acting on behalf of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson.

The report highlights suspected irregularities, falsified records and questionable payment claims relating to GH¢68.7 billion in government arrears and payables as of the end of 2024.

Following its presentation, Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, referred the report to the Public Accounts Committee for detailed examination and directed the committee to conclude its investigation within three weeks.

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His comments come in the wake of disruptions to PAC proceedings following the sudden withdrawal of Majority members from a committee sitting, forcing proceedings to be halted.

Dr. Draman, in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that it reflects poor coordination within Parliament’s administrative structure.

“If there is a clash between committee sittings and plenary, then it simply means that someone has not done their job,” he stated.

According to him, the recurring overlap between committee work and plenary sessions is a fundamental flaw that undermines the effectiveness of Parliament.

He further criticised what he described as a “convenient excuse” often used to justify absenteeism on the floor of the House — that Members of Parliament are attending committee meetings.

“Anytime concerns are raised about low attendance, the explanation is that committees are sitting. But this should not happen in a properly organised Parliament,” he stressed.

Dr. Draman noted that in many established democracies, parliamentary schedules are carefully structured to ensure that committee sittings and plenary sessions do not overlap, allowing MPs to fully participate in both processes.

He emphasised that while plenary proceedings are broadcast and visible to the public, committee work largely happens out of the public eye, making it even more critical that plenary sessions reflect strong attendance and engagement.

The governance expert warned that continued scheduling conflicts risk eroding public confidence in Parliament and damaging its institutional credibility.

“Situations like this suggest that there is more to it than just the explanations being provided. It points to deeper inefficiencies that must be addressed,” he added.

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Concerns have been raised over the low turnout for government business, particularly from the Minority, who have consistently urged the Speaker to address the issue.

Originally scheduled for March 24, 2026, the PAC meeting was rescheduled to allow proceedings to take place. However, as the committee resumed and the plenary chamber was also in session, it became necessary for the Majority side to ensure sufficient numbers to conduct business.

The Majority Whip reportedly directed members of the committee to prioritise proceedings in the chamber, leading to reduced attendance at the committee sitting.

This prompted the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Abena Osei-Asare, to seek guidance from the Speaker, expressing concern over the disruption.

She stressed the need for collaboration between leadership to ensure committees can fulfil their mandates without being affected by quorum challenges.

The PAC is currently investigating about GH₵68 billion in arrears, as well as other accounts maintained by the Accountant General and a forensic audit conducted by the government.

Despite the committee’s work, Majority members reportedly moved to the chamber to participate in urgent government business during the plenary session.

Acting Speaker Bernard Ahiafor has since directed caucus leaders and committee chairpersons to coordinate better to avoid clashes between committee sittings and plenary proceedings.

Under parliamentary practice, at least one-third of members must be present to begin government business, while a two-thirds majority is required for decisions to be made.

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Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, March 24, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh accused the Majority Leader of offering what he termed “flimsy excuses” for not programming the Minority’s motions, undermining the work of the opposition in the House.

He argued that such actions were not in the spirit of fairness and cooperation necessary for effective parliamentary business.

“The reasons being given are simply not convincing. They are flimsy excuses to avoid bringing our motions to the floor,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh said.

“We have important issues we want Parliament to deliberate on, but they are being deliberately sidelined.”

He further noted that the Minority has consistently demonstrated good faith by supporting the Majority in conducting government business, particularly when the Majority lacked the numbers to push through its agenda.

“We have always cooperated with the Majority when they needed us to transact government business. We have acted in the interest of the country,” he stated.

Mr. Annoh-Dompreh called on the Majority Leader to ensure the Minority’s motions are duly programmed for debate, stressing that Parliament must operate on principles of inclusivity and mutual respect.

“Parliament is a House of all of us, and fairness must prevail. Our motions deserve to be heard just as theirs are,” he added.

However, the lawmaker expressed her willingness to accept the position if selected.

“I have not lobbied for any running mate position, but if it comes, I will accept it because I am willing to serve the party. There are more prominent people in the party who can equally support Mahamudu Bawumia to secure power in 2028. It is the prerogative of the party to choose the right person,” she stated in an interview on Akoma FM in Kumasi.

Madam Appiagyei also emphasised the need to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures as part of preparations toward the next elections.

“We are focusing on restructuring the base of the party by registering new members to complement the existing ones for victory in 2028,” she added.

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The legislation, passed on Wednesday, March 18, introduces a number of changes aimed at reshaping Ghana’s national security architecture.

Earlier, on February 19, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, explained that the decision to revert to the BNI name was meant to address public confusion, as “NIB” is often mistaken for the National Investment Bank.

However, the move faced opposition from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who warned that the reforms could centralise too much authority within the security system and risk undermining civil liberties. He described the issue as politically sensitive.

“A reference to the Bureau of National Investigations, the National Intelligence Bureau or the internal intelligence agency in any enactment or document existing before the coming into force of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the Bureau of National Intelligence.

“A reference to the external intelligence agency in any enactment or document existing before the coming into force of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the Research Department,” he said.

The new law also grants the President the authority to appoint a minister to supervise the National Security Coordinator, effectively removing the need for a standalone Minister for National Security.

In addition, the Bill provides a more detailed legal framework for the work of the National Security Council and formally integrates Regional and District Security Councils to improve coordination across all levels.

It further defines the responsibilities of key institutions tasked with implementing government security policies, addressing both domestic and external threats.

A notable component of the legislation is the formal establishment of the Office of the National Security Coordinator as a central part of the intelligence system, intended to strengthen coordination and improve overall effectiveness.

The Bill also seeks to repeal the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030), aligning the legal framework with the government’s current approach to national security reforms.

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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin made the declaration while addressing executives of the Tertiary Students Confederacy (TESCON) in Parliament on Wednesday, March 18.

He urged party faithful to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts, emphasising that electoral victory will depend on discipline, loyalty, and consistent engagement with voters.

“If elections were held today, NPP would be the majority, but that requires hard work and loyalty. We do not doubt that you will take up the mantle,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin also criticised the current administration, accusing it of failing to deliver on key campaign promises, including the proposed 24-hour economy policy. He pointed to the inability to increase cocoa producer prices and recent utility tariff hikes as evidence of underperformance.

He further called on TESCON members to dismiss claims that the NPP marginalises certain ethnic groups, insisting that the party remains inclusive and committed to representing all Ghanaians.

At the same event, Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Samuel Awuku, reinforced the party’s stance, declaring that the NPP will vigorously contest every seat currently held by the NDC.

“We will be joining our colleagues to storm the campuses. The 2028 election is all play—no NDC seat is safe. We will approach every NDC seat like a normal seat,” he said.

According to the Majority caucus, similar fees paid by applicants who were disqualified during recruitment exercises under the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo were not refunded.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Monday, March 16, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, described the Minority’s demand as unfounded, stressing that attention should rather be focused on addressing unemployment among the youth.

“You cannot be discussing refunds now. Let us discuss how we can fix the economy so that jobs can be created for these young people. How can the money be refunded? The young ones are looking for jobs, not the money,” he stated.

Mr. Ayariga further defended the government’s decision to allow about 500,000 applicants to compete for roughly 5,000 available positions, explaining that the approach was intended to ensure fairness and equal opportunity in the recruitment process.

“What we are doing is giving every young person a fair opportunity. We could have simply gone and selected our foot soldiers and given them the jobs the same way the NPP did, but we are not doing that,” he said.

He added that the large number of applicants highlights the scale of unemployment in the country and underscores the need for broader economic reforms to create sustainable jobs for the youth. He also assured that the government remains committed to revitalising the private sector to generate more employment opportunities.

However, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, argued that the Majority’s defence undermines the government’s much-touted reset agenda.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday, March 16, the Minister explained that the shortage was caused by a combination of oversubscribed contracts and funding challenges within the sector.

According to him, when the current administration assumed office, there was already a mismatch between approved funding and the value of contracts awarded for meter supplies.

“When we assumed office in 2024, even though the ECG board approved about three billion cedis for contracts, more than nine billion cedis had already been awarded, including for meter supply,” he said, noting that this created a bottleneck in meter delivery.

The Minister further cited the cash waterfall mechanism—which regulates how revenue collected by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is distributed—as another factor that slowed down the supply of meters.

“It means that the revenue ECG was receiving as a portion of its cash waterfall allocation was not enough. So some of these meter manufacturing companies who had been given huge contracts could not meet that demand,” he explained.

To address the situation, the Ministry has increased ECG’s monthly allocation from GHS 300 million to GHS 360 million. The allocation has also been indexed to a percentage of the utility’s total revenue collection to encourage improved revenue mobilisation.

“If ECG wants to collect more than GHS 360 million, they have to work harder, because the more they collect, the more they get,” he said.

Mr. Jinapor assured the public that meters are now entering the system and that distribution will soon pick up, adding that the government is adopting a strategic approach to ensure efficiency and prevent waste.

“We are on course, and the meters will be made available,” he stated.

This is intended to cushion mining firms following roll out of the Minerals and Mining Royalties Regulation, which increase the royalties mining companies when the price of the commodity rises on the international market.

Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Finance Minister, explaining the rationale for reducing the Growth and Sustainability Levy, said when an ounce of gold hits 1900 dollars, mining firms will pay five per cent royalties.

He said if an ounce of gold crosses 2000 dollars, mining firms will pay six per cent royalties and when an ounce of gold exceeds 4,500 dollars, mining firms will pay 12 per cent royalties.

The reduction in the levy, he said, would cater for windfall taxes.

Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu suggested government hold on with the passage of the legislation because the reduction of the levy from 3 to one per cent will not impact positively on mining firms’ finances and expenditure.

The sliding scale royalty’s regime in Ghana’s mining sector ties royalty payments to prevailing commodity prices.

Under this system, mining companies pay higher royalties when gold prices rise and lower rates when prices fall.

While intended to stabilise government revenue, critics argue that it increases operational costs for mining firms during periods of high global prices, thus discouraging investment and threatening job security.

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The move forms part of efforts to cushion gold mining firms following the introduction of the Minerals and Mining Royalty Regulations, 2025.

The Legislative Instrument establishes a sliding-scale framework that allows royalty rates to be adjusted in response to fluctuations in international market prices, enabling the state to earn more during periods of high commodity prices.

However, the Minority Caucus has raised concerns that the new L.I. could cost Ghana up to one million jobs and make the mining sector less attractive to investors.

In response to these concerns, the government says the proposed reduction in the Growth and Sustainability Levy is intended to mitigate the potential impact of the Minerals and Mining Royalty Regulations on mining companies.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, defended the amendment during the second reading of the bill in the Parliament of Ghana, explaining that the previous requirement created practical challenges for many private institutions.

According to him, the earlier law, the Education Regulatory Bodies Act 2020 (Act 1023), made it compulsory for private universities to obtain a Presidential Charter within six years, a provision that many institutions struggled to meet.

“Historically, under the National Accreditation Board, a charter has never been compulsory. It has always been optional,” the minister told the House.

He noted that the requirement placed significant financial pressure on private institutions due to the high fees payable to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

The government believes the policy could have forced several institutions to shut down, potentially affecting thousands of students enrolled in private tertiary institutions across the country.

“Government recognises the contribution of private tertiary institutions, numbering over 79, which have made significant contributions to the provision of higher education and quality education across the country,” Mr Iddrisu said.

He warned that forcing all these institutions to obtain a charter could lead to the collapse of some universities that may not yet have the capacity to operate independently.

The amendment, he explained, will now allow private universities to apply for a charter only when they believe they have satisfied the requirements to operate independently and award their own degrees and diplomas.

“So if an institution, subject to mentoring, thinks that it has satisfied the requirement and can be on its own, it may request to be chartered,” he said.

Mr Iddrisu also assured Parliament that regulatory oversight and quality assurance would still be maintained by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission through institutional accreditation, programme approval and academic audits.

The Education Committee of Parliament supported the amendment, noting that the previous regime risked disrupting the education of thousands of Ghanaian students if some private universities were forced to shut down.

The amendment also allows private universities to participate more actively in programme approval processes, ensuring that courses introduced by these institutions align with national education policy objectives.

Government says the reform forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s tertiary education sector while recognising private universities as key partners in expanding access to higher education.

In an interview with Accra-based Okay FM, the MP clarified that the images are manipulated and do not reflect what actually occurred during parliamentary proceedings.

“There are several of the photos going around. Even one of them had me with my mouth wide open. These are AI-generated photos,” he explained.

Baba Jamal suggested the circulation of the images is part of efforts by some individuals to discredit him following what he described as a significant moment in his political journey.

“People would always want to dent every beautiful thing when it happens,” he added.

The photos began trending on social media shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, prompting mixed reactions from users online.

Baba Jamal, who previously served as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, was declared the winner of the Ayawaso East parliamentary seat on March 3, 2026, after polling 10,884 votes, defeating the NPP’s Yussif Ali Baba, who received 4,009 votes.

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Speaking at the conclusion of the debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address, the Effutu MP cited both historical and recent tariff adjustments to support his claim.

“To go down memory lane, in 2015, electricity tariffs rose as high as 31% in the second quarter and reached 59% by the fourth quarter. In total, electricity increased by 90%, while water went up by 88% under the previous NDC administration in 2015 alone,” he said.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin also highlighted more recent adjustments in 2025 and early 2026. Electricity tariffs increased by 14.75% on May 3, 2025, followed by 2.45% on July 1, 2025, and a further 1.14% on October 1, 2025. Another hike of 9.8% took effect on January 1, 2026.

“In total, these adjustments amount to a cumulative increase of 28.14% in electricity tariffs alone. That is the record of the NDC, and it is something the President did not address in his speech,” he stated.

The Minority Leader argued that the figures reflect a persistent pattern of steep utility increases under NDC administrations, raising concerns about the party’s approach to managing essential public services.

Leaders of both the Majority and Minority caucuses delivered their final remarks during proceedings on Wednesday, March 11.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised the government’s decision to purchase a presidential jet while several hospital projects across the country remain incomplete. He also raised concerns about what he described as unfulfilled promises to create jobs for the youth, noting that some young people were unable to participate in recent security recruitment exercises due to challenges accessing the internet.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin further criticised the reduction in the cocoa producer price, arguing that the move has worsened the situation of cocoa farmers.

However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended government policies, stating that cocoa producer prices have reached unprecedented levels under the current administration. He said the policy forms part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s agricultural sector and promote local industrialisation.

Parliament subsequently adopted the motion on the address, which was moved by Isaac Adongo and seconded by John Ntim Fordjour.

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According to him, he and other lawmakers in the Minority caucus have received numerous complaints from constituents who were disqualified during the recruitment process after encountering difficulties with the online testing system.

Speaking on the floor of the Parliament of Ghana on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged the government to review the system to make the recruitment process more inclusive, particularly for applicants with limited digital literacy.

“Mr. Speaker, the military did something good. They created a system that allowed people to take the aptitude test directly. If it is possible, the system should be changed to enable our boys and girls who are not educated in ICT to write it manually,” he said.

The Effutu MP noted that many applicants from rural communities struggle to navigate the online testing platform.

“I am for AI. I am for IT. But you cannot suddenly call someone from Pusiga or Bunkurugu who knows nothing about IT and ask them to write an aptitude test using AI. If they don’t have the means, they fail,” he added.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed that the issue should not be politicised, describing it as a systemic challenge that requires urgent attention from the appropriate ministry.

According to him, several applicants are compelled to spend money at internet cafés to complete the tests, only to encounter technical difficulties that prevent them from proceeding.

“I think it is a serious system challenge that the ministry would have to look at properly because it is we, the MPs, who are carrying the burden,” he said.

He therefore appealed to the government to review the current system to ensure that recruitment into the security services remains fair and accessible to all qualified applicants.