A photo collage of Emelia Arthur, Frank Annoh Dompreh and John Mahama
The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh Dompreh, has threatened to report the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, who is also the Member of Parliament for Shama, Emelia Arthur, to President John Dramani Mahama.
He claimed the minister was not demonstrating seriousness with her duties.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament during discussions on the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025 on July 16, 2025, Annoh Dompreh expressed disappointment at the minister’s absence during the bill’s debate and consideration stages.
He lamented that such a crucial moment should not be neglected and described the minister’s conduct as irresponsible.
He accused her of consistently neglecting the responsibilities assigned by the President and suggested she be considered for a possible ministerial reshuffle.
He also encouraged majority MPs without current appointments to prepare, stating that a reshuffle was imminent.
“The consideration stage… No, there were a number of times the minister was not here. She is a Member of Parliament and should be present. Speaker, we are opposed to be taking the bill through its third reading. The minister has decided not to be in the House.
“Chairman is here. Leader is here. Speaker, we cannot compromise on this. Third reading? No. She must be here. Chairman, step out and call the minister. Tell her she must come. This is the Parliament of Ghana. She cannot prioritize other business over her own bill. The president will hear about this. Honourable members, get ready, reshuffle is coming. Lace your boots,” he said.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga challenged Dompreh’s assertions.
He acknowledged the importance of ministers being present when they introduce bills, but clarified the nature of the third reading process.
“Mr. Speaker, the third reading is procedural. The consideration stage is where policy debates and detailed scrutiny happen.
“The minister’s absence at this stage is not critical, especially since it was already completed. According to Standing Order 172, the third reading can proceed even in the absence of the Minister.
“Furthermore, the minister is currently attending an international fisheries conference in Italy. We have a deadline, and the bill was introduced under a certificate of urgency. I appeal to the House to allow the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to move the motion on her behalf.”
After deliberations, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill, 2025 was passed by Parliament and is awaiting presidential assent.
The bill aims to establish a modern legal framework to enhance governance, development, and sustainability in Ghana’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, which plays a vital role in the country’s economy.
Key provisions include; Reviewing and consolidating laws for the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources
Enhancing regulatory oversight through modern systems
Implementing an Electronic Monitoring System to meet EU and US market requirements for legally sourced seafood
Watch the video from 1:28:00 minutes
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