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New entrants see positive signs in Fourth Parliament

Thu, 13 Jan 2005 Source: GNA

Accra, Jan. 13, GNA - Mr Ernest Debrah, the President's nominee for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has cited consensus building as crucial to promoting Parliamentary Democracy in the country. He said the current Parliament, just four days old, had been characterised by lots of discussions, consensus building and friendliness portending good things to come.

"I am already seeing some good signs at the committee level...so far, I am satisfied with the work in Parliament, " Mr Debrah said when the Mr Debrah, who is also the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Tano-North, said: " The atmosphere in the House is different from what pertains outside. It is friendly and not characterised by the acrimony that prevails during political campaigning."

He said the current Parliament had many "young guys, who are brilliant and yearning to learn and when they are actually seated they would be contributing to the work in the House."

Mrs Agnes Chigabatia, NPP-Builsa North, said: "We are learning fast, though the work is challenging because of debates, which demands that one comes out with factual information."

She said so far, relationship between both sides of the House had been cordial and this was because MPs were there "for the people and not for politics".

Mr Simons Addai, NDC-Techiman South, said some of them were coming into this Parliament with some experience as district assembly members and, therefore, were somehow familiar with the rules of the House.

"Although, we have very cordial relationship with our colleagues on the other side, we would not compromise with our party principles," he said.

Mr Alex Asum-Ahensa, NDC-Jaman North, a former Presiding Member of the Jaman District Assembly, expressed similar sentiments and said relations with the NPP side would be cordial but "we would tow our Party lines".

Earlier, before the commencement of Public Business, the Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi-Hughes, read a communication from President John Agyekum Kufuor informing the House of the list of nominees for ministerial appointment.

He later referred it to the Appointments Committee for consideration and report.

Source: GNA