The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has served notice that it will demand investigations into various cases under the one-year administration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who gave the hint, said his side will make the government accountable to the people at all times, as accountability to Ghanaians must not be a slogan.
Welcoming Members of Parliament (MPs) to the House on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, after a long recess, the Minority Leader maintained that the citizenry have right to question decisions of government.
“The Ghanaian people have a right to know that this House will pursue truth, justice, and reform with discipline. “Therefore, the Minority will formally move for targeted parliamentary inquiries on some critical issues,” he stated.
The issues Osahen Afenyo-Markin listed included the August 6, 2025 Helicopter disaster that claimed eight lives, including Minister for Defense Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
The rest were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Mohammed Muniru, NDC National Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
According to the Minority Leader, a dedicated inquiry into the tragic crash will help scrutinise procurement, maintenance, and safety protocols.
US visa ban
Osahen Afenyo-Markin said the Minority will also demand a comprehensive parliamentary inquiry into the circumstances, events, and diplomatic failures that led to Ghana’s placement on the United States immigrant visa suspension list.
The El-Wak tragedy
The other critical issue the Minority will seek investigation into is the El-Wak tragedy, where six young Ghanaians died in a stampede during a military recruitment process.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin said the Minority will demand a detailed report and reforms to ensure recruitment never again becomes a mortal danger.
Probing attack on journalists
Another issue for the probe, the Minority Leader added, is violence against journalists.
According to him, there should be a parliamentary probe to propose legislative and institutional reforms that protect media freedom and ensure command responsibility.
“Honourable Speaker, no democracy can flourish when its citizens feel unsafe, and its journalists are under attack.
“Reports show a worrying spike in assaults on journalists in our country. Journalists covering elections have been beaten, pepper-sprayed, and manhandled—including by security personnel—for simply doing their work.
“This is not the Ghana we promised ourselves.
“A state that cannot protect the pen will soon find that it cannot protect the public purse or the ballot box.
Abuse of bail
Another issue of inquiry is abuse of bail to ensure a comprehensive, stakeholder-led review of Ghana’s bail framework to strengthen safeguards and codify best practices, and unlawful dismissals.
Mass dismissal
The Minority, Osahen Afenyo-Markin indicated, will also demand “an inquiry into the directive from the presidency to dismiss public sector workers, to protect constitutional rights and prevent future abuse of executive power.”
He cautioned that in all outstanding and proposed probes, the Minority will not accept indefinite delay.
“This session, the Minority will table timelines, demand periodic updates, and seek bi-partisan committees with clear deadlines,” he stated.
Tribute to the late Ayawaso East MP
The Minority Leader paid glowing tribute to the late MP for Ayawaso East, Mahama Toure Naser, describing him as a fine gentleman.
“To his beloved family, his devoted constituents, our colleagues on the NDC benches, and every Member of this August Assembly—we extend our deepest condolences.
“The departure of a colleague is a wound in the very fabric of our parliamentary community. While we submit to the divine decree of Allah, our prayers remain with his soul and with those he left behind.
“We pray earnestly that this will be the last time the 9th Parliament is called upon to bury one of its own,” the Minority Leader prayed.
By Kyei Boateng
