News:
February 24, 2011
Some New Patriotic Party MPs will soon go to the Supreme Court to try and overturn a ruling by First Deputy Speaker of Parliament over a request for 10 per cent of oil revenue for the development of the Western Region.
Four minority MPs – MP for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul; Manhyia MP, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Gifty Eugenia Kusi, MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem and Mr. Okyere Darko Mensah, MP for Takoradi will challenge Doe Adjaho’s ruling in court.
They had filed for an amendment to the Petroleum Revenue Management Bill seeking the establishment of a Western Regional Development Fund into which 10 per cent of the oil revenue will be put for the exclusive development of the region.
But after weeks of debate on the matter, the First Deputy Speaker ruled out the request on Wednesday.
He explained that the kind of amendment which seeks to impose financial obligation on the consolidated fund can only come from the President of the Republic or on behalf of the president or a minister.
“It is my considered opinion that this amendment has not been introduced by the members on behalf of the president having been a charge on the public funds of this country.”
“We cannot proceed to go into it,” he said, adding “it must be introduced by a minister or a member on behalf of the president.”
But proponents of the amendment say they have no option than to proceed to the Supreme Court for an interpretation.
MP for Takoradi, Kwabena Otchere-Darko, one of those heading to court told Joy News; “we are going to the Supreme Court for interpretation because clearly when Hon Doe Adjaho spoke you realized there was a predetermined agenda to stop us from moving that motion on the floor.”
The Deputy Energy Minister and MP for Elembelle, Kofi Armah Buah without saying categorically whether he supports the intended writ to the Supreme Court, said he will back any action that will lead to the road and other infrastructural development of the Western Region.
Source:Joy News