By Clement Akoloh | Accra
ACCRA, Ghana – June 30, 2026 – The Member of Parliament for Tamale South and Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has renewed calls for a stronger and more autonomous Parliament, arguing that the legislature’s continued dependence on the Executive for funding undermines its independence.
Speaking on the Floor of Parliament during a statement to commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarians, the former Majority Leader said Ghana’s Parliament cannot claim full independence when it relies on the Executive for resources to operate.
“The Parliament of Ghana is not sovereign, and that is why this Parliament holds a calabash begging the Minister of Finance for funding for this Parliament. That should not happen,” Hon. Haruna Iddrisu stated.
He argued that Parliament must be strengthened financially and institutionally to enable it to effectively perform its constitutional responsibilities, particularly its oversight role over the Executive.
“We should create and strengthen an independent and autonomous Parliament,” he added.
The Tamale South MP’s comments add to growing calls from lawmakers for reforms to guarantee parliamentary independence, including greater control over its own finances and administrative operations.
Constitutional Review to Strengthen Institutions
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu also assured Parliament that ongoing efforts by the government to review the 1992 Constitution would address some of the structural challenges affecting governance institutions.
“Mr. Speaker, I conclude by assuring my colleagues that President Mahama, through his Attorney General, led a far-reaching and most comprehensive review of the 1992 Constitution,” he said.
According to him, the review process will draw from previous constitutional reform efforts, including recommendations from the Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Committee and the Fianku Committee.
He said the process would involve a broad legal, administrative, and constitutional examination aimed at strengthening Ghana’s democratic institutions.
“He is taking the report of the Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Committee together with the Fianku Committee and through the Attorney General, lead the country through the most comprehensive administrative, legal, and constitutional review that will guarantee transparency and accountability for the people of Ghana,” he stated.
The comments formed part of parliamentary reflections marking the International Day of Parliamentarians, an occasion used by lawmakers to highlight the importance of strong legislatures in promoting democracy, accountability, and good governance.
Source: parliamentnews360.com
