The Minority has called for urgent intervention to resolve the issues that have kept teachers across the country on strike, warning that prolonged delays could affect the delivery of education.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, September 29, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee and Member of Parliament for Assin South, Honourable John Ntim Fordjour, highlighted the unpaid promotion allowances, outstanding arrears, an unfinished collective agreement and the unimplemented deprived area allowance.
The various teacher unions: GNAT, NAGRAT and PRETAG remain on nationwide industrial action after withdrawing their services on September 25 over unresolved conditions affecting their members. Honourable Fordjour explained that Monday’s discussions produced no new resolution, while the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission is scheduled to meet the teacher unions on October 6.
Directing attention to the teachers’ demands, the Ranking Member urged the government to move quickly to address the outstanding payments and conclude the collective bargaining process. He emphasised that the education system cannot function effectively when teachers who are responsible for preparing the next generation remain without the remuneration and conditions agreed for their work.
“The young people of today are the ones who will pay for what is left behind,” Honourable Fordjour noted in addressing the wider impact of unresolved national issues. The Minority therefore called for immediate steps to restore stability in schools and ensure that teachers receive the payments and allowances due them.
On the rule of law, the Assin South MP also condemned the attempted arrest of the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Honourable Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah on September 23. He explained that the MP was leaving the Accra High Court after appearing for a detained client when officers of the Economic and Organised Crime Office allegedly attempted to arrest him.
Referencing the incident, Honourable Fordjour argued that parliamentary duties and legal representation must be respected within the framework of the law. He disclosed that the Minority intends to raise the matter on the floor of Parliament as the House reconvenes for its special sitting.
The Ranking Member further urged the government to address both matters through lawful institutional processes and timely action. He maintained that Parliament has a responsibility to demand accountability where public institutions and national interests are involved.
Minority Pushes Ad Hoc Probe Into Ghana Linked Drug Shipments
The Minority also renewed its call for a parliamentary inquiry into major narcotics seizures linked to Ghana, arguing that Parliament must establish how the consignments passed through the country’s systems.
Honourable John Ntim Fordjour, outlined a proposed ad hoc committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the shipments and identify institutional gaps.
Honourable Fordjour explained that the Minority has placed the proposal before Parliament through the First Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Tolon, Habib Iddrisu. The proposed committee, he noted, would operate under Article 103 of the Constitution and Order 262 of Parliament’s Standing Orders.
Directing attention to the movement of the consignments, the Ranking Member indicated that the inquiry would examine how each shipment was assembled, inspected and cleared, including whether scanning and risk profiling systems worked as required. It would also investigate the roles of shipping lines, freight forwarders, clearing agents and relevant state institutions involved in the process.
The proposed inquiry would further examine whether the financiers and organisers behind the shipments are being pursued and whether proceeds connected to narcotics trafficking are being traced under the relevant legislation. Honourable Fordjour explained that the committee would also assess possible institutional failures and recommend reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s systems for preventing illicit consignments.
On Parliament’s investigative authority, the Assin South MP noted that an ad hoc committee established under the relevant constitutional provisions would have powers comparable to those of the High Court to compel witnesses and documents. He added that its proceedings would be conducted publicly except where national security considerations require otherwise, while cases before the courts would not be prejudged.
Emphasising the national implications, the Ranking Member argued that narcotics trafficking cannot be treated solely as an issue of foreign borders because drugs that pass through Ghana can eventually enter local communities. “Wherever drugs move, some remain behind. They spill into local markets, into our communities, our campuses, and our streets,” he highlighted.
The Minority is therefore calling on MPs on both sides of the House to support the proposed inquiry and is demanding the publication of verifiable information on narcotics seizures, arrests and prosecutions since January 2025. Honourable Fordjour emphasised that stronger parliamentary scrutiny is necessary to establish what happened at each stage and identify measures required to prevent similar breaches.
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