Members of Parliament, still grieving, over the death of President Mills began sitting on Thursday morning, but had to suspend for an hour as the Speaker, Mrs. Joyce Bamford Addo had to attend to an urgent meeting.
The speaker, however, did not return to the house when it reconvened at 14 hours.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, who was also expected in the House, was absent.
Mr. Edward Doe Adjaho, First Deputy Speaker called for the laying of papers, which was done by the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah because the minister was said to be indisposed.
The papers include; the National Petroleum Authority (Petroleum Product Marketing) Regulations, 2012(I.I.2187), and the Report of the Joint Committee on Mines and Energy and Foreign Affairs on the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Mr. Cletus Apul Avoka, Majority Leader explained to members that due to the passing of the late President, normal Government business could not be conducted and so the house did not make any arrangement for extended sitting.
Earlier, some minority members questioned the position of former Vice President Mahama at the time he was invited into the chamber to be sworn in as President of the Republic of Ghana.
This is because members were informed on Tuesday morning during sitting that the late President Mills would be travelling to Nigeria and in his absence former Vice President Mahama would Act.
But, the House was later informed about the death of President Mills.
The Speaker clarified the situation, saying that President Mahama came into the chamber as a Vice President.
Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, wanted to know if it was right for members to be on their feet when Supreme Court Judges enter the chamber.
Dr. Mathew Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia Constituency, said members were equivalent to High Court judges.
The speaker said the issue of whether members had to stand up for judges would have to be discussed later by members and the leadership.**
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