Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has confirmed that he will admit a motion from the Minority regarding the reported losses associated with the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), despite ruling that the debate will not be held during this week’s emergency sitting of Parliament. This admission comes after the House was recalled for specific business outlined by President John Dramani Mahama, a move that effectively ended any opportunity for the Minority to address the matter directly. Bagbin stated that the House was recalled as part of a request to address three identified issues – the reported GH¢22 billion loss linked to the DGPP – and that the current emergency session is focused solely on these concerns. He revealed that the motion, received on August 21, 2026, has been reviewed and will be admitted for consideration at the appropriate time, emphasizing the need to examine the DGPP’s classification as a loss or cost. The Speaker stressed that the motion could not be included in the current emergency session, a crucial point highlighted in his explanation. He explained that the Minority’s motion was filed after the House had already been recalled, making it impossible to consider it during the current session. Bagbin reiterated that the motion would be addressed when Parliament resumes its normal business, stating that there would be no Question Time or statements during the sitting. Furthermore, he rejected any suggestion that Parliament would seek to shield the GoldBod issue from public scrutiny, asserting that Parliament is committed to transparency and has taken steps to open its proceedings. He referenced the Standing Orders, specifically Order 59, Rules 2 and 3, which provide a procedure for recalling the House when it is on recess, and that a recall could be organized within a few days after the required consultations with parliamentary leadership. The Speaker also referred to James Agalga as the Majority Leader, citing a communication error as the reason for the announcement. He stated that two ministerial nominees have been referred to the Appointments Committee, further indicating a strategic shift in the parliamentary agenda. The situation highlights a potential challenge to the regular parliamentary process, as the Emergency Sitting is focused on the DGPP, while the Minority’s motion remains unresolved and is awaiting consideration at a later date. The Speaker emphasized the importance of the House’s commitment to transparency and the steps taken to ensure open proceedings, including their participation in the Open Government Partnership initiative. The situation underscores a potentially significant shift in the legislative agenda, with the focus now firmly directed towards the DGPP issue following the emergency session.”
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Source: Adom Online
