Isaac Adongo defends bipartisan scrutiny of Gold Board establishment law

Isaac Adongo, the Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee, has defended the legislative process for government bills, asserting that they undergo rigorous bipartisan examination. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition, Adongo rejected claims that he dictates committee outcomes, emphasizing instead the collaborative nature of the committee’s work. He stated that decisions are reached through collective scrutiny involving experts from both sides of the political divide, ensuring that national interests are prioritized over partisan agendas.

Addressing the specific passage of the law establishing the Gold Board (GoldBod), Adongo explained that the Minority did not reject the bill in principle despite having reservations about certain provisions. He argued that the potential positive impact of the institution justified moving forward with the legislation rather than holding it up. By allowing the Gold Board to commence its work, the committee aimed to address immediate needs in the sector while acknowledging that the law could be refined over time.

Adongo praised the high level of expertise within the Finance Committee, citing the contributions of members such as Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam as evidence of the group's professional depth. He insisted that the committee functions on shared interests and that disagreements are typically constructive, reflecting a healthy democratic process. According to the Chairman, most proposed bills are examined collaboratively, with the committee often reaching a consensus on the majority of government proposals.

Looking ahead, Adongo expressed a willingness to review the Gold Board law and other legislation if implementation reveals any structural weaknesses. He conveyed confidence that opposition members would remain cooperative and support any necessary amendments proposed by the executive in the future. This openness to subsequent reviews, he noted, ensures that legislation remains effective and responsive to the evolving needs of the Ghanaian economy.