Parliament passes Meteo and Tarkwa University bills

Accra, Nov. 3, GNA - Parliament on Wednesday passed a bill that seeks to establish Ghana Meteorological Agency, to replace the Meteorological Services Department.

The Agency would meet both local and international operational challenges dictated by the rapid advancement in science and technology in the meteorological industry.

A memorandum accompanying the bill said the functions of the Agency would among other things advise the Government on all aspects of Meteorology.

It would also be the sole authority to approve the establishment of meteorological observations in the country and prepare Government policies in the industry.

The House also passed the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa Bill, which gives way for the establishment of the first autonomous public university in the Western Region capable of awarding degrees and other certificates.

The University replaces the Tarkwa School of Mines, which was formerly a college under the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

Earlier, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia, NDC-Wenchi West, had sought to find from Mr. Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, the Interior Minister, when the report of the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of exhibits from Police custody in the Banda cattle stealing case would be published and acted upon.

The Minister said the Police Service had concluded investigations into the incident.

"Traditionally, such reports are not made public. The necessary action is, however, to be taken on the recommendations in the report. The complainant will, however, be officially notified of the outcome of the investigations," the Minister explained.

During the laying of papers, the Speaker questioned why the Minister of Finance, Mr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo, was not in the House to lay one of the papers that stood in his name.

The Speaker said the Finance Minister should have delegated one of his deputies to lay the paper on his behalf.

Mr. Kosi Kedem, NDC-Hohoe South, said the paper to be laid should be stepped down until the Minister was in the House.

This he said would ensure that the House was not taken for granted. Mr. Kedem accused the House of sometimes rushing to work on various papers presented to it. Some members however rebuffed the reaction of Mr Kedem. 3 Nov. 04