Minority Members of Parliament walked out of proceedings on Wednesday, July 15, after First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that a briefing by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr. Johnson Asiama, would be held behind closed doors.
The Minority opposed the decision, arguing that the session should be open to the public so Ghanaians could hear directly from the BoG Governor on issues of national interest. Following the ruling, Minority MPs withdrew from the Committee of the Whole proceedings.
Speaking to journalists after the sitting, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the decision, saying it was consistent with Parliament’s Standing Orders and established practice when dealing with independent constitutional bodies.
He said the Minority had the opportunity to persuade the Committee of the Whole to hold the session in public but did not gain enough support.
Mr. Ayariga explained that although committee meetings are usually open to the public, Parliament’s rules allow committees to decide when meetings should be held in private.
He also dismissed suggestions that the BoG Governor was avoiding scrutiny, stating that Dr. Asiama was prepared to answer questions from Members of Parliament.
According to the Majority Leader, the Minority’s walkout reduced its chance to question the Governor and seek answers on the issues it had raised.
The disagreement has sparked discussion about transparency in Parliament, with the Minority calling for greater public access to discussions involving the central bank, while the Majority insists that parliamentary procedures should be followed.
