Debate on Queenmothers inclusion in Accountability Committee deferred

Accra, Jan 26, GNA - Members of Parliament on Wednesday deferred debate on clause 56 of the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill which proposes the inclusion of Queen mothers in a future Public Interest Accountability Committee.

Mr Cletus Avoka, Majority Leader, therefore called for the determination of the clause's future to be deferred to afford members enough space and time to consult.

Alhaji Abubakari Sumani, NDC Member of Parliament for Tamale North, had triggered the controversy by proposing that Queen mothers excluded and rather extend the invitation to all women because there were equally competent and brilliant women who are not Queen mothers.

Mr Balado Manu, Member for Ahafo Ano South (NPP) said there were several women organizations in the country from which women representatives to the committee could be picked.

Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, First Deputy Speaker and Member for Avenor Ave (NDC) after realizing Alhaji Sumani was still advancing his argument, issued a rebuttal: "if you don't have Queen mothers in your area, some of us have Queen mothers."

He noted however that if they should continue going against the issue, there would be more problems and thus accepted Mr Avoka's decision for the house shelf the matter and consult on the matter.

The house however adjourned at 2pm after considering other clauses.