The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa discussed the shift in parliamentary dynamics. He emphasized the need for a reconfiguration of parliamentary committees under the newly established majority-minority divide.
He elaborated on the implications of the new standing orders within the parliamentary framework, particularly the composition and operation of key committees.
Hon. Ablakwa began by outlining the structure of the Committee on Assurances as specified in Standing Order 225.
“The committee on assurances comprises a chairperson, a ranking member, and not more than 13 other members, the committee is chaired by a member who does not belong to the party or parties that formed the government.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
This ensures impartiality and prevents the executive from unduly influencing the committee’s decisions.
He underscored the significance of this arrangement, stating, “Even though we are the majority, we have informed the government.” This reflects a broader recognition of the need for checks and balances, especially in a parliament characterized by a potential hang.
Addressing Government Business
A critical point raised by Hon. Ablakwa concerned the distinction between the roles of majority and minority leaders. He asserted, “There’s nothing like you should be the majority [and ] also the leader of government business.” This clarification is vital as it eliminates previous ambiguities regarding leadership roles, which could lead to the obstruction of government business.
The Business Committee, responsible for scheduling parliamentary activities, is chaired by the “leader of government business.” Hon. Ablakwa explained, “This means a member of parliament designated by the majority caucus.” This clear definition aims to avoid confusion and ensure a more streamlined process in parliamentary operations.
Adjustments to Committee Leadership
The conversation transitioned to how the new standing orders reflect the realities of a hung parliament. Hon. Ablakwa noted, “The new standing orders have taken into consideration all of those possibilities.” This foresight is crucial in accommodating scenarios where the majority in parliament does not align with the executive branch.
Under the revised orders, “there is a sharing formula” for committee leadership that reflects the numerical composition of parliament. This adjustment acknowledges that the previous automatic majority leadership structure might not serve the current dynamics effectively.
Implications for Governance
Hon. Ablakwa further explained that the revisions aim to prevent a situation where “the executive does not control parliament,” which could lead to legislative gridlock. He pointed out that the standing orders reserve certain committees for the party that controls the executive to safeguard against potential frustration of government business.
However, the clear delineation of roles and the sharing formula for committees represent a significant shift towards a more inclusive and responsive parliamentary framework.
As he aptly stated, “There is a lot of work that has to be done,” underscoring the ongoing efforts to adapt to a rapidly evolving political landscape. This discussion serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of legislative frameworks in supporting democratic governance.
The shift is poised to influence committee leadership and memberships, shaping the legislative processes of the 8th Parliament.
“Now we would have to become [a] majority in all the committees. So, in terms of the membership, its numbers will have to go up to reflect the current trends under Article 103(5) and our standing orders.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
This change will ensure that their influence in parliamentary activities is aligned with their numbers
Government and Minority Control
While the new majority will control several committees, Hon. Ablakwa clarified that certain committees are still reserved for specific members depending on party affiliation, as determined by the standing orders.
“If you take, for example, the finance committee, it will be chaired, under our standing orders, by a member from the government, the party that has formed government.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
Additionally, there are committees like the Public Accounts Committee and the Assurances Committee that are specifically designed to be chaired by a member of the minority, regardless of the house configuration.
“We also have committees that the standing orders provide clearly that no matter the configuration, it has to be chaired by a member that does not belong to a party forming the government.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
Selection Committee’s Role in Reconfiguring Committee Leadership
A committee will deliberate and decide on the new leadership structures of parliamentary committees based on the current composition of the house.
“The Committee of Selection will meet chaired by the Speaker, and then we will look at the new configuration. And that new configuration must reflect the new strength of the parties in the house. Then the selection committee will presnt their report to Plenury for adoption, so the selection committee would then decide how many committees will be chaired by the new majority, and then how many will be chaired by the new minority.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
This process ensures that the strength of the parties in Parliament is properly reflected not only in the membership but also in the leadership of committees.
The Election of a New Second Deputy Speaker
A significant consequence of the reconfiguration is the need for the election of a new Second Deputy Speaker, a position that has been vacated as a result of the recent majority-minority realignment.
According to the standing orders, the three key parliamentary speakers cannot all belong to the same political party. Since the First Deputy Speaker belongs to the ruling NPP, the NDC as the new majority, is eligible to nominate a candidate for the Second Deputy Speaker.
“Consultations are ongoing with the leadership of our party to put forward a candidate. So, when we meet on Tuesday, it is quite likely that there will be an election of a Second Deputy Speaker because it’s so important a role.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
The quick filling of this position is crucial, as the Second Deputy Speaker has statutory functions that require immediate attention.
The Impact of the New Majority on Parliamentary Democracy
Finally, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the broader significance of the recent changes, calling it a “watershed moment” for Ghana’s parliamentary democracy. He remarked that this shift would force both the majority and minority parties to work together and build consensus, which would ultimately strengthen democracy.
He also expressed his view that the Ghanaian people had voted for an NDC majority in the 2020 elections, and he dedicated the NDC’s victory in the parliamentary realignment to the eight lives lost during the violence in Techiman South.
“I dedicate the victory of the NDC and this new majority to the eight lives that were lost, the majority of them from Techiman South. I think that this is their victory.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
Hon. Ablakwa condemned the violence that occurred during the 2020 elections, attributing it to the NDC’s delayed parliamentary majority.
He criticized the lack of accountability for those responsible for the violence and reiterated his belief that without such interference, the NDC would have secured a parliamentary majority much earlier.
“It is really regrettable that so far, the masterminds, the perpetrators have not been brought to justice. But for all of that deadly violence, that brute force, I am clear in my mind that we would be where we are today many years ago.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency
The Evolution of Ghana’s Political Landscape
In summary, Hon. Ablakwa’s remarks highlighted the significance of the new majority status in Ghana’s Parliament, the changes in committee leadership and membership, and the broader implications for democratic governance.
He saw this reconfiguration as an opportunity for both parties to build consensus and reflect the will of the Ghanaian people.
As the country moves forward, the balance of power within Parliament will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping its future legislative landscape.
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