Omanghana
The walkout followed a heated confrontation over a blocked supplementary question concerning the financial implications of the government’s proposed nationwide SIM card re-registration exercise.
Dispute Begins Over SIM Registration Question
The controversy started when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin attempted to question the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, on the cost implications of the planned SIM re-registration exercise.
Afenyo-Markin sought clarity on the exact financial burden the exercise could place on taxpayers and wanted Parliament to examine the potential cost to the state.
However, while presiding over proceedings, First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor ruled that the supplementary question could not proceed.
Deputy Speaker Cites Standing Orders
Ahiafor explained that the question was not admissible because a similar issue had already been addressed in the House, making the new query a violation of Parliament’s Standing Orders.
The ruling immediately triggered anger from the Minority side, with some MPs expressing their dissatisfaction by shouting “Shame! Shame!” before leaving the chamber.
The Minority MPs argued that the ruling prevented them from performing their constitutional duty of holding government accountable.
Afenyo-Markin Accuses Speaker of Suppressing Oversight
Speaking to parliamentary journalists after the walkout, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin strongly criticized the decision.
He accused the First Deputy Speaker of repeatedly using parliamentary procedures to frustrate Minority members, particularly backbench MPs attempting to question government policies.
According to Afenyo-Markin, the cost of conducting a fresh nationwide SIM registration exercise is a matter of significant public interest that requires thorough parliamentary examination.
He argued that preventing such questions weakens Parliament’s oversight role and limits transparency.
Government Defends New SIM Registration Exercise
The Communications Minister, Samuel Nartey George, defended the planned SIM registration process, explaining that a new exercise is necessary because the previous registration system did not adequately verify biometric information against the database of the National Identification Authority (NIA).
He further stated that the exercise would not impose financial costs on the government because telecommunications companies would bear the expenses.
Rising Tensions in Parliament
The walkout reflected growing tensions between the Majority and Minority sides of Parliament over issues of governance, accountability, and legislative procedure.
The disagreement also set the tone for a turbulent parliamentary week, which later saw the Minority stage another walkout on Thursday night, July 16, 2026, during proceedings on the controversial Tribunals Bill, 2026.
The Minority opposed the bill, accusing the Majority of attempting to create what they described as an unconstitutional “parallel kangaroo court” system.
Parliament Faces Renewed Political Divisions
The latest clashes highlight deepening divisions within Ghana’s Parliament as both sides continue to debate issues involving government accountability, institutional independence, and the interpretation of parliamentary rules.
With major policy issues still before the House, further confrontations between the Majority and Minority are expected as the legislative session continues.
Source: Omanghana
