Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has praised Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, and Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, for their consistent presence in Parliament to respond to questions from members.
He contrasted the Roads and Housing Ministers’ attendance with what he described as the failure of some government ministers to appear in the Chamber when scheduled to answer parliamentary questions.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh offered the commendation last Friday during consideration of Parliament’s Business Statement for this week, challenging ministers who regularly miss parliamentary engagements.
According to him, the Roads Minister’s willingness to appear before the House has made it possible for the Majority Leader to schedule a significant number of questions for him.
“Honourable Ahmed is always in the Chamber. The Roads Minister is always here answering questions,” he observed.
He suggested that the Majority Leader’s decision to schedule as many as 20 questions for the Roads Minister was informed by his confidence that the minister would honour the invitation and provide answers.
“That is why I am not surprised our new and respected leader will schedule 20 questions in the name of the Roads Minister. Why? Because he knows the Roads Minister will come and answer all these questions,” Mr Annoh-Dompreh stated.
The Minority Chief Whip urged other ministers to emulate Mr Agbodza’s example by making themselves available to respond to questions and account for the work of their respective ministries.
“Ministers who don’t come to the Chamber, take a cue from Honourable Ahmed. Take a cue from the Roads Minister,” he said.
He warned that the Minority would adopt a tougher approach towards ministers who fail to honour their parliamentary responsibilities.
“We are not going to treat you with kid gloves,” he cautioned.