MP wants Parliament briefed on level of nation's debt

Accra, Oct 24, GNA- Mr. Haruna Iddrisu MP for Tamale South has requested for a provision to be made for the Ministry of Finance to brief Parliament on the level of the Ghana's total debt before the December elections are held.

He said after the reading of the Business Statement for next week ending October 31, 2008, it was necessary the House to invite the Ministry of Finance to brief the nation on the level of the nation's debt so that the next leader would have a better appreciation of the national domestic and international debt.

Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes, Speaker of Parliament however ruled that the request was directed to the Business Committee. However, the Chairman of the Business Committee and Minister Parliamentary Affairs Mr Abraham Ossei Aidooh said the Business Committee had no mandate to accede to the request of the Mr. Iddrisu. The Business Committee Chairman had informed the House that it would continue to hold extended sittings next week, and would take the Northern Development Fund Bill through the Second Reading.

The Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill, the Value Added Tax ( No. 2) Bill, the Lands Commission Bill and the National Pension Reform Bill are expected to be taken through the Third Reading next week. Meanwhile, the House continued with the consideration of the Land Commission Bill.

Dr Richard Anane, Minister of Transportation had earlier answered questions on road construction in the Biakoye, Afram Plains North, Asunafo South, Sene, Tain, Talensi, Ada and Ejura- Sekyeredumasi Constituencies.