Minority demands return of Ato Forson to the House

Tensions briefly flared on the floor of Parliament over the weekend as the Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, demanded the immediate return of the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, to address pressing concerns about the country’s public finances.

Speaking during proceedings in the House, the Minority Chief Whip insisted that the Finance Minister must return to Parliament to provide clarity on critical financial matters, particularly issues surrounding the country’s sinking fund and government capital investment.

According to him, the issues raised are of significant national importance and require full transparency before the representatives of the people.

“This is the people’s representative House. The minister must come back to this House,” Annoh-Dompreh declared.

Questions over sinking fund

The Minority Chief Whip specifically referenced the sinking fund, describing it as a crucial national financial mechanism that must be subjected to parliamentary scrutiny.

He noted that developments surrounding the fund raise important questions that the Finance Minister must personally address before Members of Parliament.

“Matters on the sinking fund, which is very important for obvious reasons, must be explained,” he said.

According to him, such matters directly affect the financial stability of the country and therefore cannot be treated as routine government business.

He stressed that Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to demand accountability from government officials on issues affecting the nation’s economic management.

Beyond the sinking fund, Annoh-Dompreh also expressed concern about the level of capital investment undertaken by government.

He revealed that government had reportedly cut capital expenditure significantly in the previous year, a move he said could have far-reaching implications for national development.

“Last year, government slashed about 55 percent of capital investment,” he stated.

The Minority Chief Whip argued that such a drastic reduction in spending on infrastructure and development projects must be properly explained to Parliament.

According to him, Members of Parliament must be fully informed about decisions that affect development priorities and the pace of economic growth.

Meanwhile, the Minority Caucus also strongly opposed a proposal contained in the Business Committee report seeking to allocate speaking opportunities during parliamentary debates based on proportional representation between the Majority and Minority sides.

The proposal recommended that a total of 27 Members of Parliament be allowed to contribute to debates each day, with 18 Speakers from the Majority caucus and nine from the Minority.

Annoh-Dompreh rejected the arrangement outright, describing it as unfair and unacceptable to the Minority.

“We will resist with every strength in us,” he said while formally registering the Minority’s protest.

He argued that such an arrangement would limit the ability of the Minority to fully participate in parliamentary debates and effectively represent their constituents.

“We will resist oppressive rules. We will not allow proportional representation in speaking time in this House,” he declared.

The Nsawam-Adoagyiri legislator further insisted that the controversial portion of the Business Committee report must be removed before the House proceeds with its adoption.

While indicating that the Minority is prepared to support the broader report, he made it clear that acceptance would depend on the removal of the disputed section.

According to him, once the section recommending proportional allocation of speaking slots is removed, the Minority would have no difficulty supporting the rest of the report.

Annoh-Dompreh also cautioned the Majority Leader against attempting to overturn previous rulings of the Speaker through procedural shortcuts.

While acknowledging the Majority Leader’s strong command of parliamentary procedures, he noted that the proper process must always be followed.

“The Leader is very good when it comes to procedure. We respect him for that,” he said.

However, he emphasised that any attempt to challenge a ruling of the Speaker must be done through a substantive motion before the House.

Using a metaphor to emphasise the importance of due process, he remarked: “If you want to enter the chamber, you must come through the door. Don’t come through the window.”

According to him, the Minority Caucus remains determined to defend parliamentary rules and ensure fairness in the conduct of debates in the House.

 

 

 

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