British MPs visit Parliament

Accra, Sept. 11, GNA - A five-member delegation from the United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentarian Association (CPA) is on five-day working visit to Ghana.

The delegation, which is led by Lord Steel of Aikwood, a member of the British House of Lords, and a Former Speaker of Scotland, would seek to deepen relations between Ghana and the United Kingdom. The visit would also afford the delegation the opportunity to learn at first hand the procedure and functions of Parliament as told by the Speaker and members of the leadership since the House is on recess. Briefing the delegation on the working of Parliament, Mr Ebenzar Sekyi Hughes, Speaker, said as the Speaker of Parliament, he was bound to moderate the activities and proceedings of the House in the most impartial way.

He said he hardly used his extreme powers, which included the expulsion of Members from the Chamber because members were less aggressive and sober.

According to the Speaker, what frustrates some Members during sitting was their inability to "catch his eye" adding that it could be extremely difficult for a member to court his attention when over 200 people are contesting for a single slot.

The delegation, which also met with the Leadership, is due to hold discussions with their Ghanaian counterparts on a wide range of issues during their stay. They are due to leave for the United Kingdom on Friday September 15.