MPs debate modalities for Tuesday’s state-of-the-nation address

Members of Parliament on Friday debated modalities that will follow the state-of-the-nation address to be delivered by President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday.

After the business statement for next week was read by Deputy Majority Leader Alfred Kwame Agbesi, members of the Minority expressed unhappiness with time allocated Members of Parliament (MPs) to deliberate on the president's speech.

Mover of the motion to express gratitude to the president would be given 20 minutes to do so while the seconder will also be allocated the same time.

“Members of Parliament are voted to come and speak and you are saying that you are giving us five minutes,” complained Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, MP for Manhyia South Constituency.

“What makes you think that giving the mover, who is thanking the president 20 minutes and the seconder 20 minutes and Members of Parliament five minutes is appreciative?” he asked.

Old Tafo Constituency MP Dr Anthony Akoto Osei asked for a slash in the number of minutes allocated to the mover and seconder of the motion while that for the MPs be increased.

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ebo Barton Oduro, agreed with the increase in Members’ time but kept the time for the mover and seconder at 20 minutes.

As a result, Members will have 10 minutes to comment on the President’s address.

President Mahama is expected to be in the House on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 to deliver his address.

The motion to thank him is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2014.