Parliament’s Finance Committee Chairman, Isaac Adongo, says government bills undergo bipartisan scrutiny, with committee members shaping decisions rather than his personal instructions.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, he said the chairman facilitates the committee’s work but cannot dictate its conclusions.
“You don’t dictate to the committee what you want,” Mr Adongo said.
His comments addressed concerns about whether he could challenge proposals from his own government, including those brought by his friend, Dr Ato Forson.
Mr Adongo said the committee’s experience so far gave him no reason to be concerned.
“Almost every bill that has come to us has been scrutinised on a bipartisan basis.”
He pointed to the opposition members on the committee as evidence of the expertise involved in examining government proposals.
They include the ranking member and former Finance Minister, Dr Amin Adam, whom he described as a “very critical and sharp mind”. He also named deputy ranking member Dr Stephen Amoah and Dr Gideon Boako.
Mr Adongo said the committee’s responsibility extended beyond its chairman. He explained that its work must take account of the national interest.
“Largely we agree on most of the things.”
When disagreements arise, he said, they give members on both sides a chance to express their views on what should be done.
He cited the bill establishing the Gold Board as an example. According to him, opposition members did not disagree with its principle but were uncomfortable with some provisions.
Mr Adongo defended the decision to proceed with the legislation, pointing to what he called the “monumental impact of the gold board”.
He nevertheless acknowledged that shortcomings could emerge and that the law could be revisited.
“Of course, over time, there will be some lapses that can be identified, and a review is possible at any point in time.”
Isaac Adongo expressed confidence that opposition members would support a future review if the executive returned to Parliament with proposals to amend clauses.