Parliament Approves Gizo, Asaga

Accra, (Greater Accra) 31 Oct.,

Mr Kwamena Bartels, Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, today called on the president to adhere to the constitutional provisions that majority of ministers of state be appointed from Parliament. Mr Bartels, who made the call when seconding a motion for the approval of two presidential nominees for ministerial appointments, said at present, there are more Ministers from outside Parliament. ''This is a constitutional mistake,'' he declared. The motion was for the unanimous approval of Mr Mike Gizo, MP for Shai/Osudoku and Mr Moses Asaga, Member for Nabdam, nominated as Minister of Tourism and deputy Minister of Finance, respectively. Mr Hackman Owusu-Agyemang (NPP-New Juaben North) reiterated Mr Bartels call, saying the framers of the constitution felt it was necessary for more Ministers to come from parliament so that they appreciate the work of the House and co-operate. Besides, he said, ''there are competent persons in the house to take up the jobs.'' Reacting to the call, Mr J.H. Owusu-Acheampong, Majority leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, admitted that more appointments should be made from parliament but disagreed that there were at present more ministers outside Parliament. He said at his last count, there were 18 ministers each from Parliament and outside. In an intervention, the Speaker, Mr Justice D.F. Annan, disagreed with Mr Owusu-Acheampong saying for the fact that half of the 36 ministers are Members of Parliament does not reflect the spirit of the constitution. ''The constitution has provided for a majority and not an equality,'' the Speaker added and expressed the hope that the anomaly would be rectified.