A heated debate has erupted in Parliament following calls by Gomoa Central MP, Kwame Obeng-Asare (A-Plus), for the removal of Abena Osei Asare as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
A-Plus petitioned Speaker Alban Bagbin, arguing that Ms. Osei Asare, having previously served as Deputy Minister of Finance, should not preside over inquiries into matters that occurred during her own tenure. He described the situation as “an insult to the intelligence of the Ghanaian people” and asserted that, “We must not allow those who presided over financial irregularities to sit in judgment over them.”
However, Mpraeso MP Davis Opoku has publicly challenged A-Plus’s assertions, calling them “deeply misguided, both in law and in principle.” In a detailed Facebook rebuttal, Opoku maintained that the integrity of the Public Accounts Committee remains intact under Osei Asare’s leadership. He clarified that her appointment followed the due parliamentary process, with the Committee of Selection and approval by the full House.
Opoku cited Article 93(2) of the 1992 Constitution and relevant Standing Orders, explaining that Parliament has full oversight authority and that committee chairpersons are appointed transparently. He further noted that the PAC’s role is to examine Auditor-General’s reports and ensure accountability, with current officials representing state institutions, not necessarily being responsible for past irregularities.
To ensure impartiality, Opoku pointed out that the Standing Orders allow the Ranking Member to preside when the Chairperson’s party is in government. “Accountability in Parliament is not personal; it is institutional. Our democracy depends on protecting that principle,” he concluded.
The debate underscores the ongoing tension within Parliament over issues of accountability, oversight, and the mechanisms for ensuring transparent governance.
See his formal petition below:
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
