CONFLICT LOOMS IN PARLIAMENT.....TO VET OR NOT TO VET

A RULING BY THE Speaker of Parliament, Mr., Justice D.F. Annan, last Friday that the recent Supreme Court judgement on retained ministers vindicated Parliament's procedure on the approval of such ministers has set the stage for more possible walk-outs by the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The NPP insists that their presence in the House to entertain retained ministers who have not been properly approved in the light of the court's decision amounts to condoning an illegality. The Supreme Court last Wednesday held that every Presidential nominee, whether retained or new requires the prior approval of Parliament. It followed a writ by Mr. Mensah seeking a declaration that all persons for ministerial positions, either by re-appointment or nomination needed prior approval of Parliament in accordance with the constitution. Another relief sought was that the term of a minister ends with that of the President and there is no concept as retained ministers (Ghanaian Chronicle)