Accra, July 12, GNA - Parliament has extended its rising to August 3, 2010. Mrs Joyce Bamforde-Addo Speaker of the House announced this at the Floor of Parliament on Monday.

Mr Cletus Avoka Majority Leader on Friday July 9, 2010 sought permission from members to exceed approved rising date of July 23 2010. He explained that the extension was necessary because of the heavy load of business that might not have been completed if the House should rise as scheduled.

He said the Petroleum Management Bill and the National Health Insurance Amendment Bill were yet to be laid before parliament. The issue generated a prolonged debate as the Minority disagreed on the extension. They argued that the extension would affect the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) congress to elect a flagbearer slated August 7, 2010.

The sharp division of members on the matter made the Speaker to withhold ruling on the matter until today Monday. 12 July 10