The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has proposed a significant reform to Ghana’s parliamentary process — the introduction of a “Minority Day” in the Standing Orders of Parliament.

This dedicated day, the Minister for Education argued, would be reserved exclusively for the political opposition to move motions, debate policy, and present alternative ideas to government business.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Iddrisu said the measure would strengthen democracy by ensuring that diverse perspectives are not only heard but actively shape national policy.

“That day must be solely reserved as a Minority Day. The best way to enrich democracy is to have the views of the other side”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

According to the Tamale South MP, Parliament’s current setup often limits the opposition to a reactive role, leaving the majority to dominate proceedings. He stressed that this imbalance undermines robust debate and weakens accountability.

“Parliament should do more than rubber-stamp government business. It must act as a place where every side offers alternatives, where oversight and accountability truly happen”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

Foreign Legislative Institutions

Drawing on his experience from foreign legislative institutions, Hon. Iddrisu recalled lessons from his travels to the French National Assembly and the Parliaments of Sri Lanka and India.

“I carried with me a book on rules and procedure. One thing I learnt is that when you allow the opposition its real space, the majority is kept honest, and the institution is stronger.”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

He argued that the absence of such a balance in Ghana’s legislature has had real economic consequences.

Citing former President Akufo-Addo’s recent apology in Brussels over his government’s debt exchange program, Hon. Iddrisu said the apology reflected a broader failure of oversight on the part of Parliament.

“The President spoke about excessive borrowing and what that debt exchange has done to him. The question is simple — how did we reach this dark hour? In part because Parliament did not push back enough”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

To correct this imbalance, Hon. Iddrisu urged that the Standing Orders of Parliament be amended to create an institutionalized Minority Day. He suggested that it could be held once a year or even more frequently.

“Backbenchers’ Day, Mr. Speaker — we need to have a dedicated time for the political opposition. Constructive alternatives, not just commentary”.

He explained that on such days, the Minority would be empowered to move motions, table policy alternatives, and question the Majority directly, with the latter obliged to respond substantively.

“This is about shifting from passive to active participation,” he noted, stressing that it would ensure Parliament becomes a space for rigorous policy engagement rather than ceremonial approval of executive proposals.

“When our Parliament sits right, the Ghanaian people will smile — not because of applause, but because their interests will be better represented. Power will be balanced, policies will be scrutinized, and borrowing decisions won’t go unchecked.”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

Hon. Iddrisu emphasized that his call is not about partisanship but about strengthening democratic institutions. He reminded Parliament that genuine respect in a democracy must never translate into silence.

Respect Should not Equal Silence

“Respect should not equal silence. If we believe in democracy, we must believe in both sides. When one side dominates without real challenge, our institutions weaken”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

The Education Minister lamented that Parliament often allows crucial national decisions to pass without sufficient scrutiny or inquiry.

“One of the major problems in this country today is that Parliament sits and allows things to happen without asking enough ‘why’ or ‘what if’,” he said, calling for a renewed culture of questioning and critical engagement.

He stressed that Ghana’s evolving economic landscape, mounting public debt, and an increasingly vigilant citizenry demand a Parliament that is proactive in protecting the public interest.

“If Parliament is to guard the public interest, it must guard it from within. The Minority’s role is not just to critique but to propose, to move, to shape, to lead when needed.”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

While acknowledging that practical questions would arise about the frequency and scheduling of the proposed Minority Day, Hon. Iddrisu insisted that such logistical concerns should not deter meaningful reform.

“How often will Minority Day occur? Which motions qualify? How will other business be scheduled? These are minor problems if the will exists”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

He appealed to both Majority and Minority MPs to treat the proposal as a serious and constructive reform aimed at improving governance and restoring confidence in Parliament.

“Let us consider this seriously — not as a gimmick, not as a token gesture, but as a meaningful reform. When the Minority has its day, not once in five years but regularly, parliamentary business improves, oversight strengthens, and governance becomes more inclusive.”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP Tamale South , Education Minister

Concluding his remarks, Hon. Iddrisu expressed confidence that institutionalizing a Minority Day would help Parliament reclaim its true purpose.