Guantanamo Bay detainees matter reaches Parliament

The issue of the presence in Ghana of former detainees from Guantanamo Bay is knocking at the door of Parliament, to be discussed by the House at its pleasure and the approval of the Business Committee.

Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, Speaker of the House, informed the House that the clerks-at-table had drawn his attention to the issue, which was in relation to the matter raised on the floor, during Friday’s sitting.

Speaker Adjaho’s announcement was in response to an issue raised by Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, MP for Manhyia South, in reaction to the absence of the matter among the issues programmed on the Business Statement for next week.

The Manhyia MP, quoting Article 75 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution, wondered why the matter was not put on the Business Statement for next week despite its serious nature, to which Majority Leader Alban Bagbin responded that the issue had not come before the Business Committee.

Mr Bagbin said the Business Committee acts on matters that are brought before it and the Guatanamo Bay ex- detainees issue would be debated if it were the pleasure of the House.

He asked Dr Prempeh, who he called his “son” to do the right thing, suggesting he file a question, perhaps an urgent one on the matter.

This attracted the intervention of the Speaker who informed members of his attention being drawn to the matter, and the outbreak of meningitis in some parts of the country.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is expected in Ghana next week and the Majority Leader announced that the Prime Minister would address the House during the visit.

“Right Honourable Speaker, in consultation with Leadership, we have agreed that the Prime Minister address the House on Tuesday, 2nd February 2016,” Mr Bagbin announced.

He said the Right to Information Bill would also be taken through the Consideration Stage next week.