Ghana's Minority Chief Whip Annoh-Dompreh Raises Concerns Over Delayed Committee Reports

Ghana's Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has expressed concerns over the delays in scheduling parliamentary motions arising from completed committee reports. He made these comments on the floor of Parliament, questioning why reports submitted by parliamentary committees had not been scheduled for consideration by the House despite being completed. Annoh-Dompreh cited the Local Government and Health Committees as examples, stating that they had finished their work and submitted reports, but the corresponding motions were yet to be listed for debate.

Annoh-Dompreh called for greater accountability and coordination among parliamentary leaders, suggesting that the delays could not be blamed on the committees. He argued that their reports were ready and had been submitted to the appropriate authorities. The Minority Chief Whip urged better coordination between the Table Office and the parliamentary whips, particularly the Majority Whip, to establish the reasons behind the delays. This, he believes, would help determine whether the problem stemmed from communication gaps or other administrative challenges affecting the scheduling of parliamentary business.

Annoh-Dompreh also cited the Collins-Dalda matter, insisting that the committee report was ready before Parliament adjourned. He explained that the former Majority Leader had requested further consultations before the matter could proceed. According to Annoh-Dompreh, the reports are ready, and it is necessary to find out why motions are not being scheduled to be taken on the floor. He urged parliamentary leadership to address the situation to ensure that completed committee assignments translated into the necessary business on the floor of the House.

Beyond the concerns over committee reports, Annoh-Dompreh challenged an arrangement that would allow a paper requiring the Attorney-General's attention to be laid before Parliament in the absence of both the Attorney-General and his deputy. He insisted that where the Attorney-General was unavailable, his deputy should be present to discharge the responsibilities of the office. Annoh-Dompreh argued that this was essential to maintaining the proper functioning of parliamentary procedures.

Annoh-Dompreh subsequently appealed to the parliamentary leadership to contact the Deputy Attorney-General and ensure that he appeared in the chamber to lay the required paper. He urged the leadership to do things properly and have the Deputy Attorney-General lay the paper. Emphasising the importance of parliamentary procedures, Annoh-Dompreh cautioned government officials against treating the House with disregard.

The Minority Chief Whip declared that Parliament must insist on accountability and ensure that government officials fulfil their responsibilities to the legislature. Although he said he had no intention of turning the matter into an unnecessary confrontation or delaying proceedings, Annoh-Dompreh maintained that Parliament must be treated with respect. He made these comments as part of his duties to ensure that parliamentary business is conducted efficiently and effectively.

Annoh-Dompreh's concerns highlight the need for improved coordination and communication within Parliament. The delays in scheduling committee reports and the absence of key officials raise questions about the efficiency of parliamentary procedures. As the Minority Chief Whip, Annoh-Dompreh's role is to ensure that the voices of his constituents and the concerns of the minority are heard in Parliament. His comments serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in the functioning of Ghana's parliamentary system.

Key points

• Annoh-Dompreh cites the Local Government and Health Committees as examples of committees that have completed their work but whose reports have not been scheduled for debate.