Habib Iddrisu is the First Deputy Minority Whip
The appearance of the Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr. Johnson Asiama, in Parliament to brief the House on the cost of the newly-constructed Bank of Ghana Headquarters led to a brief moment of confusion between the Minority and Majority caucuses on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
The First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, questioned the basis on which the governor was on the floor, expressing concern over the lack of proper procedure.
According to him, their constituents did not elect them to Parliament simply to sit and listen to briefings on the cost of the building, which he deemed trivial.
Instead, he said their duty is to engage in meaningful discussions and make decisions on matters of national importance.
Habib Iddrisu further criticised the governor for his failure to stabilise the Ghana cedi against the United States dollar.
“The invitation of the governor was not by any motion or question, neither was it captured, and so, on what basis are we bringing him? Just for him to come and brief us on the cost of a building? Is that what we were elected to do when he cannot even control the dollar to the cedi when it is about 15 dollars to the cedi, and then you are bringing him here to do that?” he fumed.
Habib Iddrisu added that his caucus was not prepared to give the governor an audience or listen to what he had to say regarding the cost of the building.
“He’s in charge of the quality [of the building], so he should do that but he should not come here to brief us on the building. We are not interested in knowing the cost of a building and he’s not properly before the House,” he continued.
He added, “On what basis is he here? Is it a motion? Is it a question? We need to know the basis on which the governor is here. We are not ready to listen to him on the cost of a building. Mr. Speaker, I think you should guide us on what basis he is here to brief us rather than that, we will not listen to him.”
The Minority, in their view, stated that the invitation of Dr. Asiama to the House was not based on a motion raised, nor were they informed about it.
MAG/AE
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