The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has applauded the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) for its continuous support and its pivotal role in deepening democratic governance in Ghana.
He emphasized the critical role of the Parliamentary Press in educating citizens about parliamentary proceedings and new legislation.
“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,” he stated.
Addressing members of the PPC at the Leaders’ Media Briefing on Wednesday, May 28, the Mahama Ayariga acknowledged the long hours members of the Parliamentary Press put in, often staying until late hours to cover proceedings.
“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,” he stated.
He said Ghana’s Parliament has gained global attention and is increasingly being called upon to share its democratic models, some of which are unfamiliar even to long-established democracies, thanks to the work of the Press Corps.
“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 added.
Hon. Ayariga also outlined a comprehensive legislative agenda for the ongoing meeting of Parliament which includes:
- Consideration of bills such as the Ghana Cocoa Board Amendment Bill and Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Regulations
- Review of over 17 official reports and budget performance assessments from ministries and institutions, including the Ministries of Trade, Transport, and Lands and Natural Resources, the Audit Service, NCCE, and more
- Debate on motions such as the National Health Insurance Fund Formula for 2025
According to Ayariga, a significant development is the recent amendment of Parliament’s Standing Orders to allow MPs to question heads of independent constitutional bodies, such as 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 explained.
The Majority Leader also provided insight into pending government business that is expected to be laid before Parliament. This includes:
- A bill to repeal the Development Authorities Act, following the government’s decision to abolish the authorities
- Legislation to reassign assets and projects from the development authorities to local government structures
- Approval for name change of Tamale Airport
- Proposed new Muslim holidays
- Several bills and regulations pending Cabinet approval or the Attorney General’s drafting
He disclosed that some of them are not fully ready and have either just received drafting instructions or are awaiting Cabinet clearance, but will be brought before the meeting ends.
Mr. Ayariga revealed that over 134 questions have been filed by Members of Parliament for this meeting, including 31 urgent questions. These cover a range of issues from local infrastructure to international relations.
He also stressed the importance of transparency and citizen engagement, calling for increased use of Parliament’s website and social media handles.
He reiterated Parliament’s commitment to transparency, oversight, and active citizen engagement through its evolving legislative practices.