*Ghana Parliament Passes Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2025 Amid Controversy* Ghana’s Parliament has today passed the much-debated Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, commonly referred to as the Okada Bill, aimed at overhauling the country’s road safety and transport regulations. The legislation, which amends the existing Road Traffic Act of 2004 (Act 683), is designed to introduce new standards for alcohol limits for drivers, regulate the use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for commercial purposes, and establish emission testing protocols. The Bill’s primary objectives are to create a safer road environment, foster employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth, and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the road transport industry. Among the key provisions is the regulation of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles used for fare-paying passenger services and ride-hailing operations, aligning Ghana’s transport policies with modern industry practices. Howe

Bolgatanga Central MP Defends Budget Allocations, Says Parliament’s Funding Challenges Cannot Be Solved in One Year The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Hon. Isaac Adongo, has defended the current parliamentary budget allocations, emphasizing that Parliament’s financial challenges cannot be resolved within a single fiscal year. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Adongo argued that if previous governments had steadily improved funding to Parliament, the House would not be facing the current debate over inadequate allocations. He noted that in 2024, when the budget was presented by a Minister who was also a Member of Parliament under the previous administration, there was little concern expressed about Parliament’s financial needs. He described the current criticisms as inconsistent, adding that Parliament has always required substantial resources to operate effectively. Addressing claims made by the Minority regarding helicopter purchases, Hon. Adongo stated that

Education Minister Calls for Stronger Budget Oversight and Dedicated Offices for MPs The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has urged Parliament to strengthen its oversight functions and address its internal funding challenges to enhance its effectiveness. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Iddrisu referred to page 9 of the committee’s report, particularly paragraph 9.2, which discusses the establishment of constituency offices for Members of Parliament. He explained that during his time serving on the Parliamentary Board, the intention was that once these offices were constructed, MPs would have liaison officers who would bridge communication between the constituency and Parliament. He emphasized the need for Parliament to evaluate itself and confront its funding crisis. According to him, across the world, parliaments are recognized for their crucial role in oversight, including budget and financial scrutiny. Referencing the budget presented by Finance Minister H

Minority Demands Withdrawal of “Premature” Notice Declaring Kpandai Seat Vacant The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Deputy Minority Leader Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has called on Parliament to immediately withdraw the notice sent to the Electoral Commission (EC) declaring the Kpandai parliamentary seat vacant. Addressing the media, Hon. Appiagyei disclosed that the incumbent MP, Hon. Matthew Nyindam, has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal and has also initiated an application for judicial review at the Supreme Court. She questioned why Parliament would “rush to enforce a judgment that is legally suspended, ignore an appeal that is actively proceeding, and arrogantly presume to be more helpful to the superior courts.” She argued that Parliament is abandoning its long-standing tradition of restraint, noting that the institution’s history shows a consistent bipartisan practice of protecting a member’s mandate until all legal processes are fully concluded. Citing p

*If you believe the office of special prosecutor is not fit for purpose, you have the majority... Repeal it - Former Minister The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has urged the NDC government to use its supermajority in Parliament to repeal the Office of the Special Prosecutor if they deem it unnecessary. He emphasized that laws should be applied fairly and equally to all citizens, regardless of position or affiliation. Hon. Jinapor noted that the Majority Leader, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, had previously opposed the establishment of the office and questioned why the ruling party has not taken steps to repeal the law establishing it. "If you believe the office of special prosecutor is not fit for purpose, you have the majority... Repeal it. What are you waiting for?" Hon. Jinapor asked, emphasizing that Ghana is "sick and tired of talk" and needs action. He warned against selective application of laws, citing a recent case involving a member of the ruling