House Defers Motion

Accra, - Parliament today deferred a motion for the approval of a retained minister and deputy minister pending the consideration of a motion from the minority group. The minority's motion is seeking the nullification of a procedural motion by the house which excluded ministers retained from the first government of President Jerry John Rawlings from getting prior parliamentary approval. The motion deferred was to approve the retention of Mr Kofi Totobi Quakyi as Minister of State and Mr Bede Ziedong, deputy minister for the Upper West region. The minority's motion is a follow-up to their reaction to the May 28 Supreme Court's ruling that all ministers needed prior parliamentary approval. Mr Justice Daniel Francis Annan, the Speaker, said he is aware of the motion being processed by the Clerk's office and therefore technically, it is not before the house. However, Mr Justice Annan said since both sides of the house are in agreement over the issue, the motion on the retained ministers should be deferred. He said if this concession for the minority is agreed on, then, the house should be allowed to take charge of the matter and determine it, or one side of the house will be at a disadvantage. Mr Kenneth Dzirasah, chairman of the Appointments Committee, said in the spirit of reconciliation, the minority view stated by its Chief Whip, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, should be upheld.