President opens Parliament on Thursday

Accra, (Greater Accra) 11 Jan. '99,

The first meeting of the third session of the second Parliament of the Fourth Republic commences tomorrow, Jan. 12 and will be officially opened by President Jerry John Rawlings on Thursday, January 14.

President Rawlings will deliver his third sessional address on that day outlining the state of the nation and government's programme for the year.

The official opening will be preceded by the annual Public Forum of Parliament to be presided over by the Speaker, Mr Justice Daniel Francis Annan, on Wednesday, January 13, at the National Theatre.

The programme for the January to April meeting released by the Clerk's Office, indicate that the Minister of Finance will present the government's economic policy and budget statement for the year during the meeting.

The house will also consider nine bills -- Political Parties Bill, Passports and Allied Travel Certificates Bill, Institute of Professional Studies Bill, Export Development and Investment Fund Bill and Civil Service Amendment) Bill.

The rest are Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, Road Safety Commission Bill, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority Bill and Traditional Medicines Practice Bill.

A number of papers including loan agreements and three legislative Instruments, Public Utilities (Termination of Service) Regulations, Domestic Electricity (Exemption) Instrument and Public Utilities (Complaint Procedures)

Regulations will also be put before the house. Ministers will also be expected to answer about 140 questions pending before the house.

GRi