Shake-up in parliamentary committee chairmanship

Ghana’s 8th Parliament has undergone a massive shake-up, with changes to the leadership of several Select Committees on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. This was after the House adopted the report on the composition of the membership of Select and Standing committees.

Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, is now chairing the Local Government and Rural Development

Emmanuel Akwasi Gyamfi, who occupied a similar position at the Local Government Committee, now heads Atta Akyea’s former committee.

As part of the changes, Okaikwei Central legislator, Patrick Yaw Boamah, is now the chairman of the Finance Committee.

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

The Assurance Committee, chaired by Ablakwa, is tasked with ensuring that government promises and commitments made to Parliament and the public are fulfilled. The committee plays a critical role in holding the executive accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.

In addition to the Assurance Committee, Parliament has also constituted the Ethics and Standards Committee chaired by Member of Parliment for Fomena Constituency and 2nd Deputy Speaker,Andrew Asiamah Amoako as well as Ways and Means Committees to be chaired by Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei.

The Ethics Committee will be responsible for overseeing the conduct of Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensuring adherence to ethical standards. This committee aims to uphold the dignity and reputation of the legislative body by addressing any breaches of conduct and implementing necessary disciplinary measures.

Parliament has also constituted the Economy and Development Committee and the Backbenchers Committee.

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

Other committees have also seen changes with committee sizes reduced to ensure more productivity.

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