Annoh-Dompreh Blasts Ministers’ Absence in Parliament, Demands Accountability Over Rising Backlog

Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has mounted strong criticism against the continued absence of government ministers from parliamentary proceedings, warning that the growing backlog of unanswered questions and pending referrals is weakening Parliament’s oversight role.

Speaking through a statement shared on his official Facebook page after proceedings in the House, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP raised concerns about what he described as a troubling trend of delayed accountability by the Executive arm of government.

According to the Minority Chief Whip, Parliament currently faces over 304 unanswered parliamentary questions and 291 unresolved committee referrals, yet no ministers were programmed to appear before the House during the first two sitting days.

Hon. Annoh-Dompreh questioned the rationale behind the development, insisting that Parliament cannot effectively carry out its constitutional mandate if ministers continuously fail to make themselves available to respond to issues affecting citizens.

He stressed that parliamentary questions are critical tools for transparency and accountability, and therefore ministers must treat their appearance before the House with the seriousness it deserves.

The outspoken lawmaker further lamented that repeated ministerial absences are leaving pressing national matters unanswered while frustrating the work of Members of Parliament and committees tasked with scrutinizing government activities.

Calling for urgent reforms in the management of parliamentary business, Hon. Annoh-Dompreh urged the Majority leadership to ensure ministers and committees remain active, responsive, and committed to the business of the House.

“As Minority Chief Whip, I remain committed to defending the integrity of Parliament and ensuring that government remains accountable to the Ghanaian people,” he emphasized.

The statement has generated renewed debate over accountability within Ghana’s parliamentary system, with many observers insisting that stronger cooperation between Parliament and the Executive is necessary to protect democratic governance and public trust.