News:
October 26, 2020
Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu is pushing for the introduction of a private member’s bill before the life span of the Seventh Parliament ends.
According to him, he would push for the establishment of a Presidential Commission to ensure that in the future there is a presidential debate facilitated by the Commission as this would compel a debate on the economy and infrastructure.
He further pointed out that this would enrich the Ghanaian governance system and competitive democracy, as far as presidential election is concerned.
Mr. Iddrisu made this remark on the floor of the House on Friday, October 23, 2020 when he supported Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak who wanted to know, at what stage the proposed revised Standing Orders of the House, would be introduced considering the life span of the current parliament is almost ended.
“Mr. Speaker, I know you would want the Private Members Bill to be part of your legacy and under your tuner the House accepted it”, the Minority Leader said.
Speaker Professor Aaron Michael Oquaye on his part directed that copies of the draft revised standing orders should be electronically made available to all lawmakers. The Clerk was directed to ensure this so that this week it is dealt with and MPs study the document.
The Tamale South lawmaker pointed out that with Article 89 (2) of the 1992 Constitution which is not an entrenched provision, with the private members bill, he could sponsor an amendment, on the composition of the members of the Council of State.
As each region should have a representative of the Council and with the country having sixteen regions now hence the need for such an amendment, and he is thinking of sponsoring such amendment with the Majority Leader Osei-Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
Again, other lawmakers he pointed out want to use the private members bill to help address traffic situation on the Ghanaian roads and issues on witchcraft.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com