Parliament reconvenes for heavy work ahead

Accra, Oct. 25, GNA - Parliament reconvened on Tuesday with the presentation and first reading of various bills, including the Anti Terrorism and the Food and Drugs (Amendment) Bills. The Ghana National Commission on Children (Repeal) Bill and the Laws of Ghana (Revised Edition) (Amendment) Bill were also taken through the first reading.

Various loan agreements were laid before the House by Finance Minister, Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu including a request for the waiver of stamp duty involving 8,500,000 dollars in respect of an offshore facility of 850 million dollars for cocoa purchase by the Ghana Cocoa Board.

Earlier, Mr Jonathan Nii Takie-Kommey, the newly elected NDC Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, took the Oaths of Allegiance and that of a Member of Parliament administered by the Speaker, Mr Ebenezer Sekyi Hughes.

Mr Tackie-Kommey, in the August 30 by-election, polled 26,771 votes to beat his closet rival, Mr Lennox Mankattah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who had 18,465 votes.

Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, on behalf of the House, congratulated the new MP and the NDC for retaining the seat.

He said he had a lot to do to contribute to the democratic development of the country.

Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, Deputy Minority Leader, said the MP should not see himself as an NDC MP for his constituency but work for the interest of all and to unite his constituents.

The Deputy Minority Leader said the victory of the NDC in the recent by-election was a signal to the NPP that all was not well and they should, therefore, start writing their handing over notes. The Speaker had earlier, in a welcoming address, called for the full cooperation of the House and said their support was important to "completing the heavy schedule" ahead of the Third Meeting of the House, the last for the year.

This meeting is expected to see heated debates as various bills, including the Domestic Violence and the People's Representation (Amendment) Bills, when they are brought before the House. The 2006 Budget Statement of the government is also expected before the House on November 10.