New Committees As Parliament Rolls-out New Standing Orders

The Parliament of Ghana is giving meaning to its newly adopted Standing Orders as it constitutes or re-composes several news committees, maintained some with new and reduced memberships.

Thiscexpected to expeditiously enahce the consideration of several refferals and the smooth conduct of parliamentary business which are overdue.

Some of the newly formed committees in accordance with provisions of the new StandinG Orders are the Ethics and Standards Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Energy Committee, Lands and Natural Resources committee, Priviledges and Immunities committeee, committee of Petitions, Economy and Development, Private Members Bill and Private Matters, Human Rights committee and committee on Budgets.

The rest are Back Benchers’ Bussiness, Information and Communications, Independent Constitutional Bodies, Parliamentary Affairs, Judiciary, Chieftaincy, Culture and Religious Affiars, Security and Intelligence and Public Administration and State Interests committees.

The most interesting feature of the new Standing Orders is the fact that, chairmanship of the various committees is based on the ratio of 138: 137, representing the numerical strength of the various caucuses, as determined by the Standing orders.

Deputy Majority leader and MP for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei will chair the committee of Ways and Means whiles, Dr Kwabena Donkor chairs the Public Administration and State Interests committee of the House.

key committees, with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, appointed as the Chair of the Assurance Committee.

North Tongu Member, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is chairman of the Assurance Committee which has a responsibility of ensuring that government promises and commitments made to Parliament and the public are fulfilled.

Per the new dictates of the Orders, minority Member, John Oti Bless will chair the committee on Sanitation and Water Resources, Bashir Alhassan Fuseini Alhassan will chair the Parliamentary Affairs committtee among others.

The committee plays a critical role in holding the executive accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.

These committees are essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of parliamentary proceedings.

The Ethics Committee will be responsible for overseeing the conduct of Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensuring adherence to ethical standards.

It aims at upholding the dignity and reputation of the legislative body by addressing any breaches of conduct and implementing necessary disciplinary measures.

By: Christian Kpesese