The Minority in Parliament has issued a firm warning to the governing majority, declaring an end to the routine use of Certificates of Urgency in the passage of legislation.
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, said the practice has weakened parliamentary scrutiny and undermined the core principles of democratic lawmaking.
Speaking with the media ahead of the resumption of parliamentary sittings scheduled for February 3, Hon. Afenyo-Markin described the frequent resort to emergency procedures as troubling and unacceptable.
He said the Minority had made a clear promise to the people of Ghana to resist what he termed the transformation of Parliament into a fast track institution with little room for debate and accountability.
According to him, the majority has used its numerical strength to push through legislation under the guise of urgency, often without adequate examination. He argued that this approach has reduced Parliament to a rubber stamp and denied citizens the benefit of thorough legislative oversight.
“When Parliament reconvenes, we are no longer going to allow the majority to have their way. The majority has turned Parliament into a fast track House with no scrutiny, where everything is pushed through under a certificate.”
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Hon. Afenyo Markin cited several laws that, in his view, were rushed through the House without sufficient debate. Among them were the Gold Board Act and the Energy Sector Recovery Levy. He said these and other measures were introduced under urgent procedures that limited the opportunity for careful consideration.
No More Certificates of Urgency
The Minority Leader warned that such practices would no longer go unchallenged. He said the opposition was prepared to resist any attempt to bypass due process, even if it meant prolonged debates and confrontations on the floor of the House. “We will resist with all the energy in us,” he declared. “No more certificates of urgency.”
Hon. Afenyo Markin stressed that while the majority often relies on its numbers, effective lawmaking requires more than numerical dominance. He argued that quality debate, research, and evidence based arguments are essential to producing sound legislation that serves the national interest.
He dismissed claims that the Minority’s objections were driven by obstructionism, insisting instead that their resistance is grounded in facts and data. According to him, the Minority has consistently demonstrated its capacity to engage substantively with proposed laws.
“They only talk about numbers, but when it comes to substance, they cannot match us. We do proper research and argue on facts supported with data.”
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin
The Minority Leader accused the majority of using parliamentary debate primarily as a platform for propaganda rather than serious legislative engagement. He said this trend has weakened public confidence in Parliament and diminished the institution’s role as a check on executive power.
“What they come into the chamber to do is propaganda,” he said, adding that the Minority would continue to expose weak arguments and demand accountability from ministers.
Assertive Posture for Accountability
Looking ahead, Hon. Afenyo Markin signalled a more assertive posture from the Minority as the current Parliament moves deeper into its term. He said the opposition would ensure that ministers are thoroughly questioned on their stewardship and that no legislation is passed without adequate scrutiny.
“Come this year, they will not have their way. We will hold their feet to the fire and ensure that each minister accounts for his stewardship.”
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Hon Alexander Afenyo-Markin
He emphasised that the Minority’s stance is not aimed at delaying governance but at strengthening democratic practice. According to him, laws that affect the lives of Ghanaians must be carefully examined, regardless of the political cost or time involved.
The Minority’s declaration sets the stage for a more confrontational parliamentary session, with extended debates and increased scrutiny of government business expected.
The use of Certificates of Urgency, while permitted under parliamentary rules, has long been controversial, particularly when applied to major economic and governance reforms.
As Parliament prepares to reconvene, the Majority has yet to formally respond to the Minority’s position. However, the strong language used by the Minority Leader suggests that legislative business in the coming weeks may face heightened resistance and closer examination than in previous sessions.
For the Minority, the message is clear. Parliamentary oversight, they argue, must not be sacrificed for speed, and the era of routinely fast tracked legislation is, in their view, coming to an end.
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