Parliamentarians to sustain healthy democratic environment

Accra, Feb.23, GNA- Mr. Peter Ala Adjetey, Speaker of Parliament, has stated that the healthy democratic environment the country was enjoying placed a high responsibility on present Parliamentarians to ensure its sustainability and be guided by principles measured by the element of time.

He therefore urged the leadership of the house to be committed to "ensuring a smooth transition from the Third to the Fourth Parliament in next year".

Mr. Ala Adjetey tasked the leadership of the house to embark on vigorous but pragmatic programmes to review and recommend rules and regulation for effective proceedings next year. The Speaker was addressing a two-day Third Review Workshop of the

"Standing Orders" Committee of Parliament at Elmina over the weekend. The workshop was to review the Standing Orders of the House to allow for flexibility and conformity within present circumstances. A statement issued in Accra by the Public Affairs Department of Parliament said amendments made in Standing Orders included the minority leader's position, contempt of Parliament or breach of privilege as well as quorum of Parliament and order of precedence and leadership of the House.

It said the recommendation by the committee would be placed before the House for consideration and subsequent approval.

High-ranking members of the House as well as high-powered officials of the Parliamentary Service attended the workshop.