The Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Frank Annoh Dompreh, in a speech on the floor of parliament, raised concerns with regard to how ministers want to dictate to parliament when they can be available to answer questions from the people’s representatives.
Hon. Annoh Dompreh conveyed the minority leader’s concern to the house, emphasizing that parliament has the power to determine when ministers should be on the floor of parliament to respond to questions and not the reverse.
He fumed that the emerging trend is that every time, ministers give excuses of not being available, and it is becoming a major concern as members need answers to their questions so they can relay them to their constituents.
“Mr. Speaker, the time for the ministers to respond to questions has to be determined by this house. Our oversight powers too—you want to take it.” He queried.
“I am simply saying that we must set the date, and that has been the practice of this House. And where the ministers cannot attend upon the House, they must write. That is the basic process and practice.”
Hon. Frank Annoh Dompreh, Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip
He further emphasized that even when the ministers cannot be available and write to parliament, their deputies could be allowed to represent them in their absence.
The Minority Chief Whip further noted that this emerging trend is frustrating, emphasizing that members cannot keep piling their questions and allow the minister’s actions towards the august house to continue.
“So, we have questions piling up, a number of questions that are piling up, and we are not getting answers. It is worrying. Majority Leader, maybe we may have to reflect on this matter more at the Business Committee and develop a way out. We cannot leave these questions hanging. No, it cannot be.”
Hon. Frank Annoh Dompreh, Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip
Hon. Annoh Dompreh noted that the “powers of the Business Committee are defined,” emphasizing that the Business Committee cannot take conclusive decisions for plenary.
However, he stated that the Business Committee can only come with a proposed program to the floor of parliament, and the said proposal is only effected after it is endorsed on the floor.
He further emphasized that the Business Committee should look into the matter again and have a change of events, insisting that the minority cannot continue to endure the behavior of the ministers towards the house.
Making reference to the majority side of the house, he noted that some few months back they were also in the minority and did not face challenges having to ask all their questions on the floor.
“Why are you shielding the ministers? I want to look into the eyes of the Majority Leader, Mr. Majority Leader. Why are you shielding your ministers? You said you have achieved so much within one year. Come and answer questions; you are writing all manner of excuses.”
Hon. Frank Annoh Dompreh, Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip
The Minority Chief Whip further stated that they had received too many excuses already this week from the ministers, adding that the President may have to start considering a reshuffle of his ministers, as they in the minority would not allow his ministers to continue undermining the authority of parliament.
“It is against our practice for the table office to be told that you must seek the availability of the minister before you schedule the questions; that is wrong.
“Parliament must schedule the questions, and the ministers must respond. When we schedule and the ministers are not available, it is their duty to write to Parliament; otherwise, our oversight will be undermined.”
Hon. Frank Annoh Dompreh, Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip
He further assured the Majority Leader that they on the Minority are not in any way trying to obstruct government business, adding that they want business to be done. However, he emphasized that “Parliament cannot be at the discretion of the executive.” “No, that cannot be. It cannot be.” He exclaimed.
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