Parliament Holds Public Forum By James Amoak

Parliament held a public forum on its work at the National Theatre in Accra on Wednesday, January 14. It was under the theme: "Parliament in retrospect - consolidating Ghana's Parliamentary Democracy". The forum was the 5th to be held by Ghana's 4th Republican parliament since 1992. The occasion was given a cup in the feather by the presence of the speakers of the National Assemblies of Togo, Burkina Faso, Cote D'Ivoire, Benin and Niger. A photo exhibition depicting the achievements and procedures of parliament was mounted as a side altraction. The public forum was attended by across section of Ghanaians including representatives of the major political parties members of the diplomatic corps and professional and religious bodies. The Speaker of Parliament Mr.. Justice Daniel Francis Annan who set the tone for the forum said the previous forums have helped parliament to overhand its procedures to meet the expectations of the public he announced that during the first session this year cabinet ministers will be invited to answer certain pertinent questions about the activities and programmes of their ministries. Mr. Justice Annan was happy that Ghana has been able to uphold the democratic culture that was born in 1992. The President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings will formally open parliament of Thursday January 15 and deliver his sessional address. He is expected to present the government's blue-print for 1998.

End