Parliament takes 3-months long break

Accra, July 31, GNA - Parliament winded up business on Friday until October 23 when the House would re-convene for the third and last session of the year.

A number of bills, including the Anti-Money Laundering, Bui Power Authority and the Protection of Personal Information Bills were introduced in the House during this session.

The House was able to work on the Bui Power Authority 2007,Transfer of Convicted Persons and the National Accreditation Board Bills and passed them into law.

Some Legislative Instruments and 20 loan agreements were also approved among a number of businesses considered during this meeting. Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader, in his closing remarks said the leadership of the minority in parliament had observed that some agreements, particularly loan agreements, were introduced to parliament for approval a few days before recess.

"This phenomenon makes it extremely impossible for Honourable Members to subject these agreements to scrutiny. As a result little or no critical appraisal is done before these agreements are passed." "Mr Speaker, it is the duty of parliament to ensure that sufficient time and attention is spent on these agreements and not to succumb to the overbearing pressure of the executive," the Minority Leader said. He touched on various issues including the energy crisis and called for a quick solution.

Mr Felix Owusu-Agyepong, Majority Leader, said parliament was gradually moving towards stable and sustainable democratic governance. He said the next meeting of the House would witness new faces of ministers on the floor to answer questions because of the ministerial re-shuffle.

"I am particularly happy about the number of females who have been elevated or introduced into government. I believe that this is as result of the relentless efforts of our female counterparts in fighting for women's rights and empowerment," the Majority said.

Mr Ebenezer Sekyi-Hughes, the Speaker, thanked members, staff and the media for making the session a success.