Educate the public on how Parliament works-Speaker Bamford-Addo

Accra, March 24, GNA- Parliament on Wednesday recessed for the Easter with the call on members to educate their constituents on how the legislature works especially, its oversight responsibility over the executive.

Justice Joyce Bamford-Addo, Speaker of Parliament, who made the call in her closing remarks in Accra told the members to interact with their constituents with the view to consolidating Ghana's infant democracy. "Collectively, we have come thus far not without challenges", she said, adding both the majority and the Minority had worked hard to enable the House to finish its business on schedule.

She said: "I commend you and expect far greater commitment to the work of the House would be shown come next meeting." Justice Bamford-Addo told members to "stretch the extra mile" to at least present themselves in the chamber on time and apply themselves to the business of the House.

She thanked the Parliamentary Service staff, the press corps, auxiliary staff, the security and other services whose efforts "sometimes not seen but crucial for the successful conduct" of parliamentary work. Mr. Cletus Avoka Majority Leader commended the members for their decorum, comportment and their respect for the presidency. "Let's continue to observe such decorum and respect for one another's view at all times in our proceedings," he said.

He said the period under review witnessed the approval of the nominations of 10 Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State which according to him demonstrated that the House and its committees would at all times execute their mandate within the confines of the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House.

He thanked the members of the Majority Caucus for the confidence reposed in him and his Deputy, Mr. Rashid Pelpuo, as they were offered to opportunity to lead the Majority and transact Government Business. He commended the Speaker and her Deputies for their impartial handling of affairs in the House adding, "members will attest to the fact that you handled issues in the House like a true mother always striving to meet the needs of all her sons and daughters within the family." He thanked the Minority for their cooperation and efforts for advancing the cause of democracy.

Mr. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Minority Leader, said the President's call for them to work together to fashion out a legislature that would help this country overcome its challenges in the time of domestic and global uncertainties as a welcome news adding: "I associate myself to this declaration."

He thanked the members for their efforts and wished them good rest and happy Ester Holiday. Parliament resumes May 18, 2010. 24 Mar. 10