Minority group slams the government for poor economic showing

Accra (Greater Accra), 28th October 99 -- There was a heated argument between members of both sides of the House after Mr. Victor Selormey, Deputy Minister of Finance had made a statement on the state of the economy.

While members on the majority side were satisfied with the statement, their minority counterparts were calling for a debate. Mrs. Gladys Asmah, Deputy Minority Leader said after listening to the "dismal picture" painted by the Deputy Minister, "members will definitely need copies of the statement for careful study to enable them to make meaningful contributions to a possible debate."

Mr. J H Owusu-Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture, said the Minority could only call for a debate if they table a motion on the statement. The Speaker of the House, Mr. Justice D F Annan, ruled that comments are normally allowed on urgent statements, but debates can only ensue when members who are not satisfied bring motions before the House.