Charles Takyi-Boadu
8 January 2009
The fifth Parliament of the fourth Republic promises to be interesting, and with a lot in stock for Ghanaians, considering the nature and scope of its current composition.
There are strong indications that debate on the floor of Parliament would be characterised by heated exchanges and banter, or better still intellectual exercise, considering its divided nature.
That notwithstanding, the leadership of the house, which is made up of old hands, including the likes of Edward Doe Adjaho, the First Deputy Speaker, Professor Mike Ocquaye, Second Deputy Speaker, Alban Bagbin, Majority leader, and Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, Minority leader -whose depth of knowledge and experience in Parliamentary proceedings remains unquestionable, also gives credence to this believe, taking into account the fact that almost all of them are seasoned lawyers.
Having served as Members of Parliament for their respective constituencies for not less than two consecutive terms, also adds to their knowledge and experience in Parliamentary business.
The fact that tables have turned in favour of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) going into opposition also promises to ginger debate on the floor of the house.
In their maiden address to Parliament yesterday, both the Majority and Minority leaders promised interesting times ahead. They, however, expressed optimism that there would be some room for co-operation and compromise in times of deadlock.
However, one challenge that awaits the new Parliament is how early the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, Justice Mrs. Joyce Bamford Addo and the several other newly elected Members of Parliament, will get accustomed to proceedings and standing orders in the house.
With time and the support of the old hands, it is expected that the Speaker and new members will soon catch up with the trends of the house for serious Parliamentary business to kick start.
For now, it is the expectation of all Ghanaians and constituents from where these MPs were elected to prove their worth and sort in the house.
It is thus incumbent on the likes of NDC MP for Krachi-East, Francis Osei Sarfo, and NPP MP for Nkwanta-North, Joseph Nayan who have continuously kept mum on the floor of Parliament to make their constituents have a feel of Parliamentary proceedings, by making their contributions heard on the floor of the house, instead of the usual shouts of hear! hear!
Meanwhile, the new Speaker has expressed the hope to get the needed support and co-operation from both sides of the political divide. "It is my hope that we all will uphold the and help in building a better Ghana", she emphasised.
On her part, she noted "I, on my part will bring the huge wealth of experience which I have gathered over the years in my public life to my new role."
She thus pledged to discharge her duties and responsibilities in accordance with Parliamentary rules and regulations with diligence, humility, maturity and fairness in order to achieve the aims and aspirations of Parliament.
She paid glowing tribute to all her predecessors, especially the immediate past Speaker, Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi-Hughes whose wisdom, justice and fair play helped to steer the affairs of the last Parliament.
Be the first to Write a Comment!
Copyright © 2009 Ghanaian Chronicle. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.
AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 125 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.
