Parliament goes on recess

Accra, July 28, GNA - The Majority Leader, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, on Thursday reminded Members of Parliament that as representative of the people, their first duty is to help improved the lot of the people through good governance. "We must ensure that our duties, especially at the constituency level are not sacrificed on the altar of enjoyment but rather interact and explain to them the role of Parliament in establishing a just and free society."

Mr Owusu-Adjapong said this in his closing remarks in Parliament before the House rose for recess until October 25 2005. He said the House diligently carried out a number of important assignments thus demonstrating to Ghanaians its preparedness to work toward continued good governance in the country. "For the first time in the history of the Fourth Republic, Parliament has by resolution, endorsed a loan agreement between the Office of Parliament (with Ghana government guarantee) and Barclays Bank Ghana Limited for an amount of seven million US dollars for on-lending to members to procure means of transport."

Mr Owusu-Adjapong said the House also approved the proposed formula for the distribution of the GETFund for year 2005, allocation for utilisation of HIPC Funds and the President's nominations for deputy ministerial appointments. The Majority Leader said he is aware of the problems, which hinder the efficient and effective performance of the House, notable among them, being lack of adequate infrastructure for Parliament, committee rooms, residential accommodation for the Speaker and leadership as well as offices for members and staff of the House.

"I wish to reiterate that the NPP government is very much aware of these problems and it is making frantic efforts to source funds for the completion of all parliamentary projects, including the refurbishment of the Chamber block in good time." In a speech read for him, the Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin appealed to the government to consider withdrawing the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill for the sake of peace in the country. He said the danger to the political stability of the country is too obvious to ignore and hence the stance taken by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) not to take part all in the regional tours by the parliamentary committee handling the bill.

Mr Bagbin also touched on "the Hotel Kufuor saga" and said it was unfortunate the motion filed by the Minority to investigate the matter has so far not been admitted and programmed for debate in the House. "We are of opinion that this House is the appropriate forum to raise such matters and discuss to put the issue to rest. We are still convinced that a parliamentary enquiry is the only solution to saga." "We are all witnesses to the incident concerning the TV Africa crew on the same hotel and it is my wish that the police will be more professional in the handling of such situations in the future." He expressed the Minority's sincere appreciation to the Speaker for his direction and ability to steer the affairs of the House and thanked the leadership for co-operation towards the handling of business in the House.

"I also convey to the Parliamentary Press Corps our appreciation to them for the wonderful job done and we need to consider the facilities at the disposal of the Corps in other to motivate them to continue with their immeasurable service to Parliament and general public." "I also propose training courses and exchange programmes with Press Corps of other Parliaments."