Treat us with respect and dignity-MPs

Accra, July 19, GNA - Members of Parliament (MPs) on Friday called on the Welfare Committee of the House to treat them with dignity and respect and to ensure that adequate provisions were made to enable them to discharge their duties comfortably and efficiently. They said it was disheartening that sometimes members had to buy drinking water in the House or go to the washroom to use their palms to drink water from the tap. Members expressed these sentiments when the Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong drew Members' attention to the impending extension of sittings from next week.

Mr George Amoo, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Ayawaso West-Wuogon, who set the tone for the discussion, complained of poor quality food that was served to MPs whenever the House sat beyond its normal closing time and said the trend should be reserved. Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, a Ranking Member, in corroboration with Mr Amoo's claim, said: "Mr Speaker, last time after two o'clock when I went to the meals room to collect my food I was told that an order has been given that no Member should be served until the House has adjourned. "Why are we being treated like students?" He asked. The Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey in his response to the complaints gave the assurance that every necessary step would be taken to address the issues raised.