Minority insists on adherence to parliamentary rules in budget debate

Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, has called for strict adherence to parliamentary procedures after disagreements arose over speaking time during the closure of the 2026 Budget Debate.

Addressing the floor of Parliament, Annoh-Dompreh stressed that the schedule for debate contributions has always followed established practice, dismissing suggestions that some MPs should take extra time.

“It’s not about individual members; it’s about the principle and the time agreed. The House has adopted the business statement, and we cannot vary it unilaterally,” he said.

The Minority Whip also noted the presence of certain majority MPs, who he said appeared determined to reinforce their side during the debate.

He described their presence as a response to perceived uncertainty on the frontbench, but emphasized that the rules remain binding.

“Because their legs are wobbling, so they have to reinforce. But if your people are ready, start,” he remarked.

Clarifying the time allocation, Annoh-Dompreh explained that party leaders are permitted one hour each to speak, while ranking members, frontbenchers, and chairpersons are allotted 15 minutes. Exceptions were intentionally shorter in accordance with the agreed principle.

He urged MPs seeking additional time to formally request the Speaker’s permission rather than unilaterally extending their allotted period.

The comments come against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny over parliamentary procedure, as both majority and minority MPs aim to assert their influence in the debate over the 2026 national budget.