General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2004
Source: GNA
Accra, Feb. 17, GNA - Parliament on Tuesday sat for only 20 minutes as most members had to attend to committee work and the only question for the day that stood in the name of Mr. Gershon Gbediame, NDC-Nkawnta could not be asked.
A motion for the adoption of the Report of the Public Accounts Committee on the award and execution of the contract for the renovation of the official residence of the Wenchi District Chief Executive and a Resolution on the Stability Agreement between the government and the AngloGold limited were among the business for the day.
When business began, Mr Gbediame was not present to ask his question, which was directed at the Minister of Information, Nana Akomea.
Nana Akomea who was ready to answer the questions was not called although Alhaji Ali Amadu, NDC-Atebubu South rose to ask the question on behalf of the member, following a ruling by the Speaker that Mr Gbediame would have to ask the question himself.
Last week the Speaker warned members that he would not allow questions to be asked on behalf of members who are absent and do not offer advanced notice for their inability to be present.
At the commencement of Public Business, the Majority Leader, Mr. Felix Owusu-Adjapong drew the Speaker's attention to the fact that there were a number of committee meetings lined up for the day and therefore it was likely that most members would not be present in the chamber. Mr Owusu-Adjapong subsequently moved a motion for an adjournment to Wednesday, which was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Isaac Adjei-Mensah.