The Minority in Parliament has vowed to prevent the fast-tracking of laws and ensure full scrutiny of government policies in the Second Session of the 9th Parliament which resumes on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Addressing the media on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin stressed that the opposition will no longer allow Parliament to function as a “rubber-stamp” for the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“When Parliament reconvenes on the February 3, 2026, we are no more going to allow the Majority to have it way. The Majority has turned Parliament into a Parliament of fast track and no scrutiny.
“A rubber stamp parliament where everything comes under certificate of urgency. They should be ready to beat us in the chamber. We will resist with all the energy in us. No more certificate of urgency. They had their way in the passage of the gold board law”, he remarked.
The Minority also pointed out instances where the Majority allegedly bypassed proper parliamentary scrutiny, including the passage of the Gold Board Law, the Energy Sector Recovery Levy, and other legislations fast-tracked under urgent certificates.
They also criticised procedural delays, dismissal of motions, and other tactics that, according to them, limit the opposition’s ability to hold the government accountable.
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“The Energy Sector Recovery Levy, the Dumsor levy, they also introduced a certificate of urgency, and many more other laws that they pass it through certificate of urgency without any scrutiny. We hereby sound a caution to the NDC Majority. If they are not ready to read, we are ready to read. We all became aware that there are 189 only existing numbers when it comes to substance.
“What they come into the chamber to do is their propaganda. But come 2026, this 2026, they will never have their way. We will hold their feet to the fire and ensure that each minister account for his stewardship. We know that 2026 budget is a top-top budget. We know that 2026 budget is a chop-chop budget. We are going to open our eyes”, he added.
The Minority urged the Speaker, Alban Bagbin to prioritise substance over procedure. While acknowledging that the Speaker is a member of the ruling party, they called on him to protect the integrity of Parliament and ensure fair debate, allowing both sides to exercise their constitutional duties.
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“We want to pray, Mr Speaker, most humbly, that he should prioritise substance over form. That is the rule of equity. He should prioritize prudence over procedure and allow debate to flow. We will not sit idly by and allow the majority to use their numbers to deny us”, Afenyo- Markin noted
The Minority further pledged to scrutinize the 2026 budget, monitor contracts, and hold every minister accountable.
They emphasized that all debates would be fact-based and research-driven, contrasting this approach with what they described as propaganda from the majority.
“We will not sit idly come 2026, Parliament will be a place of accountability, transparency, and proper oversight. The people of Ghana deserve no less”, he added.
JKB/AM
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Source:
www.ghanaweb.com