The Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) has received a resounding commendation from the Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, for its unwavering commitment to democratic governance in Ghana.
Speaking at a Leaders’ Media Briefing on Wednesday, May 28, Ayariga underscored the indispensable role of the press in illuminating parliamentary proceedings and new legislation for the citizenry.
“You are the ones that help us as we discuss legislation. You project the discussions. You relay the discussions to the populace. When we enact the legislation, it is partly your province as media to relay the information to the public,” the Majority Leader affirmed.
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He acknowledged the tireless efforts of members of the PPC who often work late into the night covering parliamentary sessions adding, “Sometimes we are here till 1 a.m., and you are here with us. So you’re always here with us, and we commend you for that.”
Ayariga asserted that the diligence of the PPC has propelled Ghana’s Parliament onto the global stage, attracting international attention for its unique democratic models.
“We continue to feed on your works to deliver the highest standards of parliamentary democracy, which has become the envy of Africa, and I urge you to do even more to make Ghana the best,” he challenged.
The Majority Leader then unveiled a comprehensive legislative agenda for the ongoing parliamentary meeting. This robust schedule includes the careful consideration of pivotal bills such as the Ghana Cocoa Board Amendment Bill and Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Regulations. Beyond new legislation, Parliament is poised to scrutinize over 17 official reports and budget performance assessments from key ministries and institutions, including the Ministries of Trade, Transport, and Lands and Natural Resources, alongside critical reviews from the Audit Service and NCCE, among others. Debates on motions, such as the National Health Insurance Fund Formula for 2025, are also on the docket.
A significant stride in parliamentary oversight, according to Ayariga, is the recent amendment of Parliament’s Standing Orders. This crucial change now empowers Members of Parliament to directly question heads of independent constitutional bodies, including the Electoral Commission and CHRAJ. “In the past, MPs could not ask them questions, but with these new Standing Orders amendments, you have to come and, before the Committee of the Whole, answer the questions. It’s to strengthen our democracy and the oversight responsibilities of Parliament,” he elaborated.
The Majority Leader also provided insight into pending government business awaiting parliamentary consideration. This includes a forthcoming bill to repeal the Development Authorities Act, following the government’s decision to dissolve these authorities, and subsequent legislation to reassign their assets and projects to local government structures. Also anticipated are approvals for the name change of Tamale Airport and proposed new Muslim holidays. Several other bills and regulations are currently awaiting Cabinet approval or drafting by the Attorney General’s office, with assurances that they will be presented before the meeting concludes.
Hon. Ayariga disclosed that a substantial 134 questions have been filed by Members of Parliament for this meeting, with 31 categorized as urgent. These queries span a wide array of concerns, ranging from local infrastructure development to matters of international relations.
The Majority Leader urged increased utilization of Parliament’s official website and social media platforms in a call for greater transparency and public engagement. He reiterated Parliament’s unwavering commitment to transparency, robust oversight, and fostering active citizen participation through its continuously evolving legislative practices.
By Osumanu A-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com