The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has issued a forceful call for transparency, accountability, and swift action from key state institutions — particularly the Ministry of Finance and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC).

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP tackled rising public frustration over delayed statutory payments, surging utility tariffs, and what he described as an urgent need for stronger parliamentary oversight.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh opened with light-hearted observations about the enthusiasm on the Majority side, even teasing the absence of the Majority Leader while praising the acting leader who filled in.

But the humour quickly gave way to a tone of seriousness as he outlined firm expectations ahead of the Committee of the Whole meeting.

He stressed that the Finance Minister must appear fully prepared and provide complete clarity on all issues to be discussed.

Parliament, he insisted, deserves advance notice not only about the meeting but also about the specific matters on the agenda — matters he described as too critical to be treated casually.

A major concern he raised was the Ministry of Finance’s reported nine-month arrears owed to the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands.

The delay, he said, has stirred nationwide discontent, affecting chiefs and traditional leaders who rely on these allocations for local development and governance.

The situation, he argued, casts doubt on government’s commitment to supporting traditional institutions.

Citing Order 6 of Parliament’s Standing Orders, Annoh-Dompreh reminded the House that independent constitutional bodies, including the Electoral Commission, CHRAJ, NCCE, National Media Commission, Auditor-General’s Office, and the Bank of Ghana, must have their autonomy respected.

He maintained that the PURC falls within this category, and that its decisions, especially when they affect millions, demand thorough parliamentary scrutiny.

Turning to the PURC’s recent tariff adjustments, he raised alarm over the cumulative 18.34 per cent increase, followed by an additional 9.8 per cent hike.

These repeated increments, he warned, have triggered widespread anxiety among households and businesses already grappling with high operational costs.

Such pressures, he argued, threaten national productivity and worsen the cost of living.

Annoh-Dompreh therefore insisted that the PURC must appear before the Committee of the Whole to justify the increases and explain the underlying cost drivers, including the persistent depreciation of the cedi.

Parliament, he emphasised, must hear directly from the Commission to ensure clarity, accountability, and responsiveness to the Ghanaian public.