The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused the Majority leader in Parliament of deliberately frustrating motions filed by the Minority, particularly one seeking a formal inquiry into the Gold-for-Reserves programme.
According to him, the House has been seized with the motion for several weeks. Yet, the Majority leader and his caucus appear unready to be held accountable for the scheme’s implementation.
Speaking on Tuesday on the floor of the House after it was raised by the Minority Whip, Hon. Afenyo-Markin insisted the Majority side is stampeding the business of the House and acting in bad faith, describing them as a walking contradiction regarding their commitment to transparency.
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The Minority Leader rejected claims by the Majority leader that the motion has no connection to the GoldBod, arguing that the explanatory memorandum accompanying the motion provides the necessary broader context.
He read Motion and the accompanying memorandum, citing provisions that seek the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the Gold-for-Reserves scheme, including its design, governance, financial performance, and environmental implications.
Afenyo-Markin stressed that parliamentary motions must be read together with their explanatory memoranda, which outline the intent and justification of the proposal.
He also referred to findings from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) review under Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility, claiming that the Bank of Ghana recorded foreign exchange losses linked to the programme.
According to him, the report highlighted significant risks such as failed trades, high operational costs, and potential negative impacts on Ghana’s economic stabilization efforts.
Afenyo-Markin also raised concerns about alleged links between gold purchases under the scheme and illegal mining activities, warning of possible environmental and public health consequences that require urgent parliamentary oversight and investigation.
He claimed that sustained pressure from the Minority had already forced adjustments within the programme, including a reported reduction in off-taker fees following an emergency meeting.
“This is an effective Minority. If you were satisfied with the charges, why did you convene an emergency meeting to reduce them?” he questioned.
Afenyo-Markin maintained that the motion does not presume wrongdoing but seeks to establish a committee to provide clarity on the nation’s assets.
He urged the Majority to allow the motion to be debated, insisting that Parliament must uphold its oversight responsibility and that the rules of the House must be respected.