Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill Vote Deferred Over Lack of Quorum in Parliament
Parliament was on Monday, July 21, 2025, forced to postpone the second reading of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill due to lack of quorum, halting legislative progress on a significant healthcare funding initiative.
The delay followed an objection by First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, who cited Article 104 of the 1992 Constitution. The Article stipulates that parliamentary decisions require a majority of members present and voting, with at least half of all Members of Parliament (MPs) needed to form a quorum.
Iddrisu, invoking the Article, called on Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah Amoako, to defer the vote on the bill’s report until a quorum was formed.
Bill Aims to Bolster Healthcare Funding
The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Bill seeks to establish a dedicated fund for healthcare delivery. Under the proposal, 20% of the total allocations from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) would be earmarked for the new Trust Fund. Additional sources of funding would include:
- Parliament-approved allocations
- Proceeds from investments
- Grants, donations, gifts, and other voluntary contributions
Majority-Minus Quorum Dispute
During the session, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga suggested that the House suspend proceedings temporarily to allow more Majority MPs to enter the chamber and help pass the bill.
However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin challenged Ayariga’s proposal, asserting that the Majority could not muster the required numbers. He dared him to attempt it, maintaining that they would still fall short.
Ayariga admitted that the numbers were low due to an event in Tamale, which had drawn away nearly 60 MPs, but still appealed for the Speaker to defer the vote rather than abandon the discussion altogether.
Eventually, Second Deputy Speaker Amoako agreed and adjourned the House to Tuesday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m., expressing hope that the necessary quorum would be formed for a proper vote on the bill.
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