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General News of Thursday, 10 February 2005

Source: JoyOnline

Minority MPs Walk Out Over Voting Procedure

Members of the minority in parliament this afternoon staged walked out of parliament due disagreement over the conduct of a secret ballot to confirm the nominations of three ministers designate who confirmation were deferred last month.

The three, Dr. Richard Anane for Road and Transport, Greater Accra regional minister, Sheikh I.C. Quaye and Central regional minister, Isaac Edumadze were not confirmed because the Appointments committee decided further investigation was required to clear some allegations brought against them.

A sub-committee was therefore set-up to investigate the allegation that was outstanding.

After committee presented it report, there was a heated debate during which it was agreed that there should be secret balloting.

The minority walked out on what they describes as a technicality.

They had requested that members be allowed walk to the ballot box and cast their vote as is done in elections but after heated arguments between the minority and majority sides, the speaker ruled members should vote in their seats.

The minority spokesperson on communications John Mahama says the procedure will affect the integrity of the secret ballot.