Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin issued a warning on Monday, December 4, threatening to refer the Minister of Education to the Privileges Committee of Parliament if he failed to appear before the House at 12:30 pm, as directed.
The Speaker emphasized the constitutional mandate of the House to oversee the executive, highlighting that the Minister’s failure to appear would constitute a breach of Parliamentary privilege. He underscored the importance of adhering to due process and the rule of law in parliamentary proceedings.
The Minister of Education, Yaw Adutwum, was instructed to appear before Parliament to provide updates on the reopening date for Senior High School form one student. The House expressed concerns about the short notice given to students, incomplete placements for over one hundred thousand students, and challenges related to funds for necessary materials.
During Monday’s session, the Majority Leader informed the House that the Minister had explained his intention to appear between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm due to receiving an electronic copy of the Speaker’s directive late. However, the Speaker, dissatisfied with the explanation, reiterated the urgency conveyed in the letter to the Minister.
He mentioned seeing a release by the Ghana Education Service (GES) on Saturday, insisting on the December 4 reopening date and arguing that it was decided a long time ago, hence there was no need to change it.
Speaker Alban Bagbin emphasized that Parliament operates based on Constitutional mandate, not at the pleasure of the executive.
He stated, “The law binds us, and we go by the Constitution and the procedures, so the Minister should be here by 12:30 pm to brief the House. Failing that, we have a procedure to follow, and if you want notice, I can tell you the matter will be referred to the Privileges Committee.”
The Majority leader cautioned the House about the summons to the Minister, urging careful consideration to avoid generating confusion, especially in light of the statement from the Ghana Education Service.
Former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, observed a dilution of the authority and mandate of the Ministry of Education by individuals performing executive functions.
He noted that public perception links the confusion and failures in the education system to a lack of respect for the House and its members, particularly the Speaker.
“I hope that the House can mobilize and address these issues in a week or two, with other members of Parliament supporting the Education Minister,” he added.