The new Chairman of Parliament's Assurance Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is serving notice his committee will aggressively pursue government appointees and Members of Parliament (MPs) who make assurances on the floor of Parliament to ensure they are fulfilled.

This, according to the North Tongu MP, is because the scope of work for the committee has been expanded.

Speaking at the first sitting since he became chair, Mr Ablakwa said his committee will track all promises made on the floor and report to the house on its delivery.

"We are now the Committee on Assurances so it is no longer just government assurances. The scope has been expanded to include even assurances provided by Members of Parliament, committee chairpersons, and other state functionaries, so it is not only assurances provided by government ministers.

"If you look at Standing Order 3B, it provides that the Committee shall report to the House on the fulfilment of the assurances, promises and undertakings consistent with the work of committees because these assurances are largely made to the entire House. So it is only fair that when we have followed up on those assurances, we present the report to the House and we intend to be very timely and efficient about this reporting function under the Standing Orders".

On his part, Ranking Member on the Committee Farouk Aliu Mahama emphasized the mandate of the Committee, asking ministers to be diligent in attending hearings.

Background

On Tuesday, July 16, Parliament unveiled several pivotal committees, with Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu MP, taking the helm of the Assurance Committee.

The Assurance Committee is entrusted with ensuring that commitments made by the government to Parliament and the public are honoured.

Alongside the Assurance Committee, Parliament also established the Ethics and Standards Committee and the Ways and Means Committees, with Patricia Appiagyei, Asokwa MP, presiding over them.

The newly constituted Ethics Committee, according to the House will be responsible for overseeing the conduct of Members of Parliament (MPs) and ensuring adherence to ethical standards.

Both the existing and the newly formed committees, the House explained play a critical role in holding the executive accountable and ensuring transparency in governance.

Parliament has also constituted the Economy and Development Committee and the Backbenchers Committee.