'Haul the Finance Minister' – Minority Chief Whip fumes over unpaid state funds

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh is calling for the Finance Minister to appear before Parliament. He cites “serious arrears” in statutory payments affecting key state institutions.

On Thursday, May 27, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP criticized the government’s failure to provide funds. Institutions like the Electoral Commission, District Assemblies, and National Health Insurance Scheme are struggling. He stated, “Ghanaian institutions are bleeding — and they deserve better.”

Annoh-Dompreh revealed that the Electoral Commission is owed over GH¢200 million from local elections. He added that Assemblies are barely functioning and Parliament awaits its second-quarter releases. He called this situation “simply unacceptable.”

The MP insisted that either the Finance Minister or his deputy must explain how the government plans to settle these debts. “What’s the plan? When will payments be made?” he asked.

He emphasized that basic obligations cannot remain unmet while discussing a national reset agenda. “We are in limbo,” he said. The people deserve answers now.

Annoh-Dompreh warned that Ghana risks losing its seat at the Pan-African Parliament due to delays in finalizing its delegation. “We cannot afford to be left out again,” he cautioned.

He also criticized Parliament's committee composition, stating it is unacceptable for some Members to sit on only one committee. A report addressing this issue has been prepared and needs swift implementation.

Additionally, he condemned the government's handling of illegal mining, known as galamsey. “If galamsey is truly a national emergency, let’s treat it as such,” he urged. No funds were allocated in the last budget for concrete action.

Regarding digital transformation, he expressed disappointment with an electronic document system meant to reduce paper use in Parliament. “Six months on and millions spent; yet it still isn’t functioning,” he noted.

Despite his criticisms, Annoh-Dompreh acknowledged some Ministers who regularly engage with Parliament, particularly those from Roads and Education. However, he stressed that absenteeism cannot be tolerated if progress is to be made.

In closing, he reminded fellow legislators of their constitutional duty: “The people sent us here to represent their interests. Let us not fail them.”