Parliamentary team visit Abodakpi

Accra, Aug. 23, GNA - The leadership of Parliament on Thursday paid a visit to the Nsawam Prison to assess how their colleague, Dan Abodapki, was faring since his incarceration on February 5, 2007.

The team included Mr. Abraham Ossei-Aidoo, Majority leader, Mr. Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader, Mr. Doe Adjaho, Minority Chief Whip, Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah, Majority Chief Whip and Mr. Kwabena Okechiri, MP for Nkawkaw.

Mr Ossei-Aidoo who briefed the press after their closed-door visit said it was to show solidarity with a colleague who by virtue of circumstances had found himself in prison. "Dan looked very healthy," he said.

He said under the laws of the state, the MP continued to be a member of the House until all due processes was exhausted. "Ghanaians must get this clear that the MP continues to be a member and will enjoy every privilege until otherwise determined by law."

Mr Ossei-Aidoo appealed to all Ghanaians to support the MP with prayers as he made another appeal on October 9, 2007.

The press was told that the MP called for improvement in the Prison Service, especially in terms of equipment and occupations meant to reform the inmates.

Mr. Abodakpi also appealed to government to extend information technology to the Prison Service to help in data collection. "It took a roll call and several days for this prison to realize the absence of an escapee."

Mr. Ossei-Aidoo promised to inform the Committee on Defence and Interior in Parliament of the suggestions.

Mr. Bagbin said the visit symbolized the togetherness that had existed between members of the House over the years despite their disagreement on certain issues on the floor of Parliament and urged the other arms of government to emulate this.

He noted the lack of facilities and equipment for the workshops and support for officers as major challenges facing the Prisons Service. The leadership later visited Ms Grace Coleman, MP for Effiduase Asokore who had been indisposed for sometime now.

Mr Abodakpi was on February 5 sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in hard labour for wilfully causing financial loss to the tune of 2.73 billion cedis to the State.

The money was in respect of a feasibility study for the establishment of a Science and Technology Community Park/Valley Project, which was meant to enhance the export of non-traditional products. On March 5, the Member of Parliament for Keta and a former Minister of Trade and Industry filed an application for bail pending an appeal.