The Mpraeso MP, Davis Opoku, has challenged Gomoa Central MP Kwame Obeng-Asara (A-Plus) on his assertion for the removal of Abena Osei Asare as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, arguing it is "deeply misguided, both in law and in principle".

He wrote on Facebook, quoting a post by A-Plus, which said the Gomoa Central lawmaker's petition to the Speaker, Alban Bagbin, for the aforementioned cause, was intended to "protect the integrity and dignity of Parliament, especially the committee tasked with ensuring accountability in the management of public funds".

A-Plus continued, "It is important to note — and Ghanaians must be fully aware — that all the matters currently before the Public Accounts Committee occurred under the leadership of Abena Osei Asare when she served as Deputy Minister of Finance. She cannot now turn around to demand answers from newly appointed officials on issues that happened under her own watch." 

"That is not just hypocrisy — it is an insult to the intelligence of the Ghanaian people," he doubled down.  

"We must not allow those who presided over financial irregularities to sit in judgment over them," the outspoken MP charged.

See his formal petition below:

In MP Davis Opoku's rebuttal, he asserted the integrity of the Public Accounts Committee was intact, even with Abena Osei Asare chairing. 

He said Speaker Bagbin was not in the dark concerning Ms Osei Asare's position, and that she had the express nod of Parliament, too.

"Under Article 93(2) of the 1992 Constitution, Parliament exercises full legislative and oversight authority as a coordinate arm of government, not a subordinate one. Our Standing Orders, particularly Orders 204 to 211, make it clear that committee chairpersons are appointed by the Committee of Selection, chaired by the Speaker and approved by the House. Hon. Abena Osei Asare’s appointment followed this exact process," Davis Opoku said.  

"The Public Accounts Committee, as provided under Article 187(5) of the Constitution and Order 229 of our Standing Orders, examines the Auditor-General’s reports to ensure accountability in the use of public funds. Government is a continuum, and current officials appear before the Committee not because they caused past irregularities, but because they represent the state institutions that must account for them."  

"In fact, the Standing Orders already provide that when the party of the Chairperson is in government, the Ranking Member presides over the proceedings. That is how Parliament ensures impartial oversight, not by removing a duly appointed Chairperson," he added.  

"Hon. Abena Osei Asare sits in that position as a Member of Parliament, selected by the Committee of Selection and approved by the House. The Standing Orders contain no rule that disqualifies her."  

The lawmaker concluded by emphasising, "Accountability in Parliament is not personal; it is institutional. Our democracy depends on protecting that principle."