Akim Swedru’s Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Osei Nyarko, who was also the previous Chairman of the Parliamentary Roads and Transport Committee, has strongly denounced the suspension of the National Roads Authority Act (Act 1118) by Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways.
In order to address long-standing issues in Ghana’s road sector, the National Roads Authority Act was passed last year following considerable consultation and work.
Speaking to the media in Parliament, Mr. Nyarko noted that substantial funds were allocated to the creation of the law with the goal of resolving structural problems that had long plagued the industry.
But Mr. Agbodza’s recent decision to halt the Act’s implementation has drawn criticism.
Mr. Nyarko questioned whether such a move was lawful, pointing out that the Minister and the executive branch lack the power to halt an Act of Parliament.
“The question is, does the Minister or the executive branch have the power to suspend an Act of Parliament? The answer is no, they don’t have that power,” MP Nyarko remarked.
He was especially surprised by Mr. Agbodza’s position, pointing out that the Minister had been a strong opponent of the previous government’s policies, especially the suspension of road toll collection, when he was in opposition.
“Hon Kwame Governs Agbodza, who took the Akufo-Addo government to cleaners, spoke vehemently against the halting of the collection of road tolls, is today sees nothing wrong in the suspension of an Act of Parliament,” Mr. Nyarko stated, questioning the Minister’s apparent change in perspective.
The MP emphasized that the Minority side in Parliament vehemently disagrees with the Minister’s decision, calling the suspension a “illegality” and an insult to Parliament’s authority.
“This is an illegality and an affront to Parliament. We on the Minority side believe it is not right,” he added.
According to Mr. Nyarko, the proper course of action was obvious in the event that the Ministry of Roads and Highways or the government had concerns about the National Roads Authority Act (Act 1118).
“The procedures are there. They should come to Parliament and ask Parliament to amend those portions they think have issues,” he said.
Mr. Nyarko voiced concerns about the National Labour Commission’s (NLC) independent role in recommending that the Ministry halt the Act’s implementation.
He maintained that the NLC lacked the power to make such a choice, citing the Act that established the NLC being passed by Parliament.
“If the Labour Commission believes that some workers may be affected by the implementation, they have two avenues: petition Parliament or go to court,” Mr. Nyarko stated, emphasizing the constitutional processes that should be followed.
The MP also accused the Roads Minister of acting unilaterally, saying that this was detrimental to the nation’s governance.
He advised the Minister to reconsider his stance. “He is starting on a bad foot, and I advise him to immediately withdraw this press release and apologize to Parliament and the good people of this country for taking such an action he doesn’t have the powers to make,” Mr. Nyarko said.
“What was wrong yesterday is wrong today. It cannot be right today just because you now hold power,” Mr. Nyarko warned, calling for accountability and transparency in the decision-making process.
