Parliament has voted down a motion by the Minority seeking the establishment of an ad hoc committee to investigate alleged losses at the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and matters linked to the Gold-for-Reserves programme.

The proposal was defeated through a voice vote, with the Majority carrying the decision. In response, the Minority pushed for a secret ballot, hoping to overturn the outcome.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that some members on the Majority side were willing to back the motion if voting was conducted privately.

However, the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, dismissed the request, explaining that the Standing Orders of Parliament do not permit a secret ballot under the circumstances.

His ruling effectively upheld the earlier decision, halting the Minority’s attempt to trigger a formal inquiry into the operations of GoldBod.

The proposed investigation was expected to examine the design, implementation and governance of the Gold-for-Reserves scheme, as well as its financial performance, environmental and public health implications, and related concerns.