The Majority Leader and Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, has commended the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC) for their continuous support and instrumental role in advancing Ghana’s democratic governance.
He said the media’s coverage of parliamentary proceedings was central to civic education and public engagement, describing the PPC as “natural allies” of the legislature.
“You are the ones that help us as we discuss legislation. You project the discussions. You relay the discussions to the populace,” he stated.
Mr. Ayariga was addressing members of the PPC during a media briefing held in Parliament on Wednesday. He noted that the dedication of the press corps, particularly their commitment to staying through extended sittings, was laudable.
“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 said.
He acknowledged that Ghana’s Parliament has become a model on the continent and is gaining recognition globally for its democratic practices, partly due to the visibility provided by the PPC.
“We continue to feed on your work to deliver the highest standards of parliamentary democracy, which has become the envy of Africa. I urge you to do even more to make Ghana the best.”
Mr. Ayariga outlined the business of the House for the current meeting, highlighting key items such as:
- Consideration of the Ghana Cocoa Board Amendment Bill and Corporate Insolvency and Restructuring Regulations;
- Review of over 17 budget performance and institutional reports, including submissions from the Ministries of Trade, Transport, Lands and Natural Resources, the Audit Service, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE);
- Debate on motions, including the formula for the National Health Insurance Fund for the 2025 financial year.
He disclosed that over 134 questions had been filed by MPs, including 31 urgent questions, covering topics from constituency-level infrastructure concerns to issues of foreign relations.
A major development, the Majority Leader announced, was the amendment of Parliament’s Standing Orders to allow MPs to question heads of independent constitutional bodies such as the Electoral Commission and the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ).
“In the past, MPs could not ask them questions, but with these new Standing Orders, they are required to appear before the Committee of the Whole and respond to questions. This is to strengthen our democracy and Parliament’s oversight responsibilities,” he explained.
Mr. Ayariga also touched on pending government business, including:
- A bill to repeal the Development Authorities Act, following the government’s decision to abolish the regional development authorities;
- Legislation to reassign the functions, assets, and projects of the authorities to local government institutions;
- Cabinet approvals for the renaming of the Tamale Airport;
- Proposals for the introduction of new Muslim holidays;
- Additional bills and regulations at various stages of drafting and Cabinet approval.
He stated that although some of these documents were not yet before the House, they were expected to be laid before the end of the meeting.
Mr. Ayariga encouraged the public to engage more with Parliament’s work by accessing information through its website and social media platforms. He reiterated Parliament’s commitment to transparency, legislative accountability, and responsive governance.
“Our proceedings are streamed live, and we are in discussions with the Speaker for a broader live broadcast arrangement. Citizens must be able to follow our work because they sent us here and must keep an eye on us,” he added
