Majority Leader apologises for late start of sitting

Accra, June 3, GNA - Mr Cletus Apul Avoka, Majority Leader on Wednesday apologised for the late start of

proceedings in Parliament but the Minority said it was uncalled for. Proceedings started at about 1100 hours, which contradicted his announcement last week that the house

would initiate business on time. "I apologise for the late start today, it is because the minority is having caucus meeting," he said. Mr Ambrose Dery Deputy Minority Leader commenting on the matter said the Majority Leader should

have apologised on behalf of the house but to single out the minority as the cause of the delay was a

problem. He said matters that took place behind the scenes should not have been made public. Mr Papa Owusu -Ankoma Member of Parliament for Sekondi expressed wonder why the Majority Leader

could not apologise yesterday (Tuesday) since proceedings started at 1025 hours. Mr Avoka argued that following his announcement about the timely sitting of parliament last week he

deemed it important to apologise since proceeding could not start at 1000 hours. The Speaker, Mrs Joyce Bamford-Addo who ruled on the matter said the Majority Leader had apologised

on behalf of the whole house and called on members not to drag the issue.