Politics of Thursday, 10 February 2005

Source: Chronicle

Parliament Continues Debate On State of the Nation

Looking at the way members from all sides of the house contributed to the motion on the floor, one can say that although the address was a constitutional requirement, the majority side was all out for it while the minority was not too moved by it.

It was clearly seen at the way members heckled each other when they made their contribution to the motion. The members delayed in their submissions because it was almost always interrupted by point of orders.

The MP for Ada, Alex Tetteh Enyoh, in his submission, said the government's pledge to have trained teachers in all second cycle institutions by 2015 was a good idea but was being abused.

He asked the government to try as much as possible to fulfill the promises made in the address in the next three years.

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, MP for Komenda-Edina-Eguafo Abrem, stated that human resource would pose a challenge for the country because it involves everybody.

"It's important, critical and challenge to all." Government, he said, should be encouraged to pursue what the president had said in his address and make sure that it was properly executed.

He mentioned that the deregulation of the petroleum sector was going on, on a stage-to-stage basis, adding that the programme will help Ghana as a country to also grow.

He asked that all mechanisms in connection with the long-term savings bill be sped up so that it comes into force to help the private sector especially.

The MP for Jirapa, Edward Salia, speaking, said although the address contained the vision of the leader of the country, it had very few specific targets.

He mentioned that private sector development was important for the country, as such the minister should turn his focus in a way that would go beyond the capital and include the three northern regions.

The MP for Gushiegu, Rita Iddi, in her contribution, said the educational step taken by the president was in the right direction, adding that there was the need for all Ghanaians to support the policies of the president for the benefit of all.

Mr. Alfred Agbesi, MP for Ashaiman, said the address by the president would form the basis for their assessment in the next year. He advised that municipal and district assemblies be mandated to take care of teachers in the various districts.

The MP for Bolgatanga, David Apasera, said the country had come far in the democratic process because there is a very vibrant media, which is the hallmark of every modern society.

He commended government for its achievement, urging that those achievements be made to reflect in the pockets of the ordinary Ghanaian.

The Minister of the Private Sector and PSI, Kwamena Bartels, said the interest rate going down and the stability of the cedi is good for the private sector because it is the main engine of growth.

"The PSI is to enhance the economy." Joe Gidisu, MP for Central Tongu, said human resource development had been the pivot of all governments from colonial rule, as such, the government should not go about it in such a way as if it was the first to focus on human resource.