“They Want To Bully Us, But They Can’t” – Kwabre East MP Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi Highlights Minority’s Challenges In Parliament

The Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Hon. Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina Acheampong, has spoken about some of the challenges the minority group in Parliament faces.

Speaking on Kessben’s Maakye show, he explained that although the minority has smaller numbers, they are doing their best to make their mark. He said the majority often tries to bully the minority, but they are unable to succeed because of Parliament’s standing orders. According to him, the Speaker ensures that opinions shared during statements, debates, and contributions are treated fairly across the House.

Hon. Onyina Acheampong revealed that the majority once attempted to apply a 2:1 ratio against the minority to limit their contributions, but the Speaker disallowed it. This, he said, has given the minority the space they need to share their ideas for the betterment of the country.

He emphasized that one of the key responsibilities of the minority is to provide oversight and keep the government on its toes. In his view, it is unreasonable for anyone to try to silence them.

Citing an example, he spoke about the reading of the 2025 national budget. He explained that the current government proposed increasing the growth and sustainability levy on mining companies from 1% to 3%. While the previous NPP government had agreed to end the levy by 2025, the current administration sought to make it a permanent law, before later shifting to 2028. The minority, according to him, stood their ground and debated the issue until the decision was reversed, keeping the original 2028 timeline.

He added that this was just one of many instances where the minority had worked hard to defend the interests of Ghanaians despite the challenges they face in Parliament.

By: Julia Adu-Mensah