The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, has issued an ultimatum to the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Adutwum, demanding his appearance before the house.
This move comes in response to the minister’s alleged failure to comply with parliament’s directive to reschedule the reporting date for first-year senior high school students.
Speaker Bagbin, expressing his discontent, stated the minister will face the Privileges Committee for contempt of parliament if he does not appear before the house to explain.
“The minister should be here by 12:30 to brief the house and if he wants notice I can tell him the matter will be referred to the privileges committee.”
The Speaker emphasized the independence of the legislative branch, asserting that parliament does not operate at the pleasure of the Executive, including the President and ministers.
During parliamentary proceedings, the Speaker underscored the constitutional mandate of parliament, stressing that decisions are made according to the law, constitution, and established procedures, independent of ministerial or presidential influence.
“Another point I want to raise is that we don’t operate at the pleasure of the Executive. Whether the minister or even H.E the President. We have our constitutional mandate cut out for us so we go according to our time,” he said.
“I listen to members, you take the decisions, I try to implement using our supporting stuff in the parliamentary service. We don’t listen to ministers or what the President says. No! We are bound by the law and go by the constitution and go by rule of law or practice and prove procedures.”
The ultimatum follows the Member of Parliament for Akatsi North, Hon Peter Nortsu Kotoe, seeking intervention for the rescheduling of the reporting date for SHS new entrants.
In response to the Speaker’s directive, some members of parliament expressed frustration, with the Member for Banda Constituency, Ahmed Ibrahim, accusing the Education Minister of disrespecting parliament by issuing counter directives.
However, Minister Adutwum eventually adhered to the Speaker’s instructions, presenting a statement before the House.
In his statement, Minister Adutwum cited the impact of COVID-19 on the academic calendar and revealed that the Ghana Education Service (GES) is working to revert to the pre-COVID Academic Calendar in 2024.
The Education Minister’s appearance and subsequent explanation will likely shed light on the circumstances surrounding the directive and provide clarity on the rescheduling of the reporting date for senior high school students.