<<Print>>

The Speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho, has lamented the late coming attitude of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State to the Chamber of Parliament.

Mr. Adjaho noted that although he gets to his lobby before 10 a.m. each morning in order to start proceedings on time, MPs and Ministers of State are always late, thereby, hindering the effective running of the House.

Expressing his frustration yesterday when members from the minority side raised concerns about the lateness of Ministers of State, the Speaker noted that “This House is part of the problem.”

He wondered why the MPs would consistently be late despite having offices, adding that he has to always wait for MPs to form quorum before he enters the Chamber.

Mr. Adjaho admonished the MPs to resolve to leave their offices to the Chamber on time and further called on the leadership of the House to deal with the matter.

Ministers’ attitude towards Parliament

MP for Sekondi, Papa Owusu-Ankomah expressed worry about the attitude of Ministers when they are expected to be present in the House to conduct government business.

Mr. Owusu-Ankomah raised the issue yesterday when the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Marietta Brew Oppong-Appiah was late to the House to lay the Witness Protection Bill 2015.

The MP on Tuesday raised a similar concern when the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Nii Osah Mills was also late to the House to lay some papers.

He noted that Ministers don’t take Parliament serious and are always late and thus urged the Speaker to take a firm decision.

Leader’s explanation

Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Alban Bagbin explained that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice was attending to other issues, hence, the reason for lateness to the House.

Mr. Bagbin noted the Minister was in the Chamber on Tuesday but due to the Italian Prime Minister’s address on Tuesday, they could not finish business of the day.

Deputy Minority Leader, Dominic Nitiwul said they have to find a way of dealing with the attitude of the Executive.

The House later considered the Immigration Service Bill, 2015 and the Minerals Development Fund Bill, 2014.

Tribute to Okuapehene

The MPs further paid tribute to the late Nana Addo Dankwa III, Paramount Chief of the Akuapim Traditional Area and described him as a great leader, consultant and teacher.

The MPs described the late Okuapehene as a great leader, teacher, father, and consultant, adding that he lived “A good life and legacy and his life must be celebrated.”

MP for Akuapim North, William Ofori Boafo presented a statement on the floor of Parliament and said prior to ascending the Oforikuma Black Stool, Oseadeeyo Nana Addo Dankwa III took time to study the dynamics of Akuapim Traditional Area.

“It was therefore not surprising that when he was installed, he was very much conversant with the obligations of his office,” Mr. Boafo added.