MPs struggling to use ‘Chinese’ tablet computers in the Chamber

Parliament’s quest to make the House paperless is set to suffer a setback as Members are struggling to use the ‘Chinese’ tablet computers installed on their desks in the Chamber.

The MPs reconvened Tuesday after the Christmas break to a fully functional digitised system where all copies of documents required for the day’s proceedings were in soft copies on the tablet.

But when proceedings started, most MPs exhibited their lack of knowledge in the use of the device. They struggled to follow through the proceedings, which were conducted by the Speaker, Edward Doe Adjaho, with the use of the device.

The digitised system was not fully completed at the time the MPs moved into the renovated Chamber on November 4, 2014. Although the tablet computers were fixed, they were not operational until Tuesday.

“But as the speaker was correcting the votes and proceedings, members complained of difficulties following him [the Speaker],” TV3’s Parliamentary correspondent Evelyn Tengmaa reported Tuesday.

She said some of the MPs suggested that Dr Akoto Osei and other leaders in the Chamber who had hard copies make them available to the MPs who were having difficulties in the use of the device.

MP for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu, expressed happiness about the new regime where everything is digitised.

She noted that change does not come easy and believe members will get used to the device with time.

Meanwhile, the Speaker Doe Adjaho in his welcome address said a computer course should be organized for the MPs to help them use the tablet computers.

He said the Italian prime minister is also expected to address the Parliament next week.

The House is expected to sit for nine weeks during which 26 bills are expected to be tabled for presentation and consideration.

President John Dramani Mahama is also expected to give his State of the Nation Address in this current session

The Business Committee will meet and schedule dates for various presentations.