Parliament’s Finance Committee has had no reason to worry over government bills – Adongo

Parliament’s Finance Committee Chairman, Isaac Adongo, says the committee has had no reason to worry about government bills brought before it, citing bipartisan scrutiny and broad agreement among members.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, he said the chairman does not dictate the committee’s decisions.

“The good thing is that we have not had any reason to be worried. The reason is that almost every bill that has come to us has been scrutinised on a bipartisan basis.”

His comments followed a question about whether he could confront his good friend, Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson and reject proposals that went beyond what Parliament had approved.

Mr Adongo said scrutiny depended on the whole committee.

He pointed to the experience of opposition members, including Ranking Member and former Finance Minister Dr Amin Adam, Deputy Ranking Member Dr Stephen Amoah, and Dr Gideon Boako.

“So it is not about the chairman of the Finance Committee. It is the work of that committee taking into account the interests of the nation, and very often all those that have come to us, we have not had reason to disagree as a committee.”

He said disagreements gave members on both sides an opportunity to express their views, although the committee largely agreed on proposals.

Mr Adongo cited the bill that established the Gold Board as an example.

He said opposition members had concerns about some provisions but did not oppose its underlying principle.

“The passage of the bill that led to the establishment of the Gold Board, for instance, from a political perspective, our colleagues do not disagree in principle, but their side of the divide was not comfortable with certain provisions.”

He defended the decision to pass the legislation and credited the Gold Board with what he described as a monumental impact.

But he acknowledged that shortcomings could emerge and require changes.

“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 said he believed opposition members would support a review if the executive returned to Parliament seeking changes to particular clauses.