The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has suspended its sitting after failing to meet the required quorum, barely an hour and a half into proceedings.

The disruption occurred on March 25, 2026, as members, particularly from the Majority side, left the committee room to participate in business on the floor of Parliament.

This followed a directive from the Majority Whip urging MPs to prioritise plenary proceedings.

The sitting, which had earlier been rescheduled from March 24, 2026, was expected to continue the committee’s ongoing scrutiny of public accounts, including investigations into about GH₵68 billion in arrears and other financial matters involving the Accountant General.

Chairperson of the committee, Abena Osei-Asare, expressed concern over the development and sought guidance from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, while stressing the need for better coordination to prevent such disruptions in the future.

She explained that the committee had begun work within the timeline given after the audit report was referred to it.

Public Accounts Committee suspends sittings indefinitely

“The audit was referred to the Public Accounts Committee, and we were given some time frames within which we have to work and then bring back our findings,” she said.

According to her, the sitting had started as scheduled, with invited stakeholders already present, before it was abruptly interrupted.

“We began today. It was advertised and we began today at 9:00. Around 11:15, one of the whips from the Majority side walked in and said we have to excuse their members,” she indicated.

She said that without the presence of key members, the committee could not continue its work.

“Without their members, because if you don’t have an available ranking, we cannot continue with the proceeding. So, today, we had to halt it and ask the invitees to leave, and then come back at another time,” she added.

She noted that recurring quorum challenges could undermine the committee’s ability to effectively carry out its oversight responsibilities.

In response, Acting Speaker Bernard Ahiafor directed caucus leaders and committee chairpersons to improve coordination between committee sittings and plenary sessions to avoid future clashes.

Under parliamentary rules, at least one-third of members must be present to form a quorum to begin business, while a two-thirds majority is required for decision-making.

MRA/AE

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