Minority to call on Parliament for support to go into heroin case

Accra, Dec. 15, GNA - Mr Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader, on Thursday said the Minority would, at an appropriate time ask for the support of Parliament to go into various allegations surrounding the kickback saga and that of Mr Eric Amoateng, Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North, who has been implicated in a heroin case in the United States. He said investigations conducted so far seem to point an accusing finger at the Nkoranza North Member of Parliament. Mr Bagbin was giving his closing remarks as the House prepared to rise for the Christmas break on Thursday.

According to the Minority Leader, the heroin incident has tarnished the image of the legislature and the nation as a whole. He said Parliament should therefore, be the appropriate forum to handle these allegations since they were representing the entire nation. Mr Bagbin said the Minority would not relent in keeping government on its toes to ensure that they pursued the right policies and actions in the interest of the people of Ghana. He used the occasion to thank the Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Sakyi Hughes, saying he had performed creditably, notwithstanding the fact that he was new to the position. He also commended the leadership of the House, the staff of Parliament and the media for their role in ensuring a smooth session. The Minority leader urged the media to desist from publishing lies and untruths in order to sustain the country's democracy.

Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, Minister of Parliamentary Affair, in his concluding remarks, commended the House for approving the 2006 budget and financial statement of government. He said the early approval would ensure that there was timely release of funds for the running of various ministries and agencies, especially during the first quarter of next year. He listed the anti-terrorism and subvented agencies bills, as some bills to be considered when the House reconvened next year. He also announced the celebration of a Parliamentary week early next year. The Majority Leader also commended the leadership and the media for their roles during this session. Mr Sakyi Hughes also praised the leaders of the various committees, the Members of Parliament, staff and media for their enormous support.