MPs call for proper designation of ministries

Accra, Oct. 24, GNA- Members of Parliament mostly from the Minority side on Friday asked for the proper designation of some ministries, give meaning to the work of the Committees and to ensure that urgent questions are handled promptly.
They said lack of proper designation of ministries was creating confusion in the minds of students and the public while recommendations and queries to ministers are not followed while some committee chairmen show lackadaisical attitude.
This was after the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Abraham Ossei Aidoo had presented an explanatory memorandum on the Business Statement for the second week ending 31st October, 2003 to the House on behalf of the Majority Leader, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong.
Mr Kosi Kedem, NDC- Hohoe South called for the proper designation of the Ministry of Communication and wanted to know what has become of the Ministry of Technology since so far it has not been attached to any ministry.
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey in a reaction said the situation has come about because the country has no Prime Minister who should have been answering such complaints but added that any queries from members should be handled by the Minister for Presidential Affairs who is also a Cabinet Minister.
Dr Kwabena Adjei, NDC- Biakoye also complained that some Committee chairmen exhibit lackadaisical attitude to meetings and also expressed concern about the delays in answering urgent question which often losses its purpose.
Mr Ala Adjetey said the rule is that urgent questions require immediate attention and does not require notice and the Standing Orders are explicit on that.
He expressed surprise that some Urgent Questions have been allowed to stay as long as three and five months and urged the Business committee to expedite action to ensure that they are promptly disposed of by Ministers.
Mr Abuga Pele, NDC- Chiana-Paga said there was the need for reconstituting of committees since some members belong to two or more committees and sometimes meetings of two committees may sit simultaneously and members would find it difficult to be present at all meetings.
Mr Eugene Atta Agyepong, Chairman of the Finance Committee said some members often refuse to attend meetings and sometimes brush aside summons while there were few secretaries to cover their proceedings Mr Ala Adjetey urged the leadership of the House to meet and make arrangements that would ensure efficient conduct of meetings and asked the office of the Clerk of Parliament to appoint more clerks to attend to committee meeting since the situation where one clerk handles two or more committees was not the best arrangement.