Speaker advises MPs against attacks on constitutional bodies

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, has advised Members of Parliament (MPs) against attacking constitutional bodies in the country either physically or verbally.

He said attacks on such bodies could cause the citizenry to lose confidence in governance institutions and as a result undermine the country's democratic credentials leading to instability.

Mr Adjaho said this last Friday in his closing remarks to end the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.

His advice came in the wake of Parliament's decision to suspend the approval of Mr John Oti Bless, the deputy minister designate for Local Government and Rural Development, because of his alleged contemptuous comments against the justices of the Supreme Court on a political programme called 'Pampaso' on Montie FM.

The speaker advised MPs to use due process to seek redress when provoked.

"If you feel provoked or have any grievance, you may use due process to seek redress in the appropriate forum," he said.

Peaceful campaign

Mr Adjaho further urged the MPs embarking on the campaign trail, with regard to the 2016 election, to exhibit the highest level of maturity and restraint in order to uphold the dignity of the House.

"I urge members to conduct their campaigns devoid of acrimony, insults and vile attacks.

"As members of the Parliament of Ghana which is the embodiment of all the representative parts of the nation, we have a solemn duty to keep the country peaceful and united as one people," he said.

Right to Information Bill

The speaker affirmed the commitment of Parliament to pass the Right to Information Bill and denied allegations that the House had for some 10 years or more deliberately delayed passing the bill. 

He said the bill was first introduced in the House in February 2010 but lapsed at the end of the term of the Fifth Parliament and was again reintroduced with modifications in November 2013.

"I must say this House is committed to critically examining the 52-page document of amendments to the Right to Information Bill, hopefully before concluding work at the end of our next meeting to enable us to pass a bill that can stand the test of time."

Commendations

Mr Adjaho commended MPs for their commitment to work which he said was demonstrated by the long hours they endured during sittings, especially in the last few weeks when the Second Meeting had to be extended for one week.

He said MPs considered and passed many bills, including the Bank of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, the Public Financial Management Bill and the Companies Bill, which were important legislative initiatives aimed at deepening the practice of prudent financial management in the public finance system.

Mr Adjaho lauded the executive for its boldness in introducing such transformative legislative proposals in the House for consideration.

Leadership

The Majority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin, in a speech read on his behalf by his deputy, Mr Alfred Agbesi, lauded his colleagues for the team spirit exhibited during the period as they were able to clear perceived hurdles that nearly divided them.

He further lauded colleague MPs for their support and cooperation.

The Minority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, said the extension of the period for re-registration of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) card holders whose names were deleted from the electoral register following the Supreme Court ruling was appropriate considering that Parliament was rising and its return undetermined.

He urged MPs to use their break period to encourage their constituents to verify that their names were in the electoral register.