Bagbin urges Majority to be efficient

Accra, March 9, GNA - The Minority Leader, Mr Alban Bagbin on Thursday urged the Majority to put in more effort in order to implement government's agenda.

He said it was not easy to be in the Majority because they needed to be regular and on time to discharge their duties effectively and efficiently.

The Minority Leader said these in Parliament when the issue of lateness, attendance and lack of quorum were raised on the floor of the House.

Mr Bagbin said it was not proper for Members of Parliament (MPs) to just come to the House signed, sit through for sometime and then leave. He said there was the need for punctuality and commitment in order for the Majority, especially to deliver on government's programme. Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, NDC Wa-West, who raised the issue of lack of quorum and poor attendance on Thursday morning, told the House: "Charity begins at home."

The member was particularly concern when the Education Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo-Maafo came in late to answer questions slated on the Order Paper.

He said MPs had oversight responsibility over the programme of the nation and, therefore, they should be on time to execute the business of the House.

Mr Chireh touched on President Kufuor's recent State of the Nation Address and said the President reminded the Ministers to speed up the business of government.

Mr Osei-Kyei-Mensah Bonsu, Majority Chief Whip, also called for diligence and regular attendance to parliamentary business. He, however, said that the Education Minister was not known to be late to parliamentary business and was always on hand to answer questions.