Accra, Jan 20, GNA - Mr. Alban Bagbin, Minority Leader of Parliament, on Tuesday said it will not be out of place if Ghana emulated the example of The Gambia and made a woman either the Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the next Parliament, in 2005.

He said, "it is time to accord women the honour they deserve in the House by appointing a woman to the high office of either the Speaker or Deputy Speaker come 2005," adding that, this would also give expression to "our professed commitment to gender equality in decision-making". Mr. Bagbin was giving his remarks at the opening of the fourth session of the third Parliament of the fourth republic, which was attended by people from all walks of life including Ministers of state, members of the Council of State members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers and leaders of political parties.

He noted that the Deputy Speaker of the Gambian National Assembly, Mrs. Bidwell Beundagun, who represented the Speaker of the country's Parliament at the opening, was a perfect example of what women could do when given the opportunity to such high offices.

Mr. Bagbin caused a thunderous laughter when he said, "I hope my suggestion is not a threat to the jobs of Mr. Speaker and his two male deputies".

He congratulated members for the performing their duties in their various constituencies during the Christmas holidays and urged them to attach the same zeal to their work to ensure that Parliament ended its work on a positive note.

Mr. Bagbin said, the challenge facing Parliament this year was a difficult one, adding that, it rested on the shoulders of members to ensure a smooth transition from 2004 to 2005 and tolerance during the electioneering process.

This he said, was the only way members could lead their constituents to deepen the country's infant democracy.

He expressed the hope that in the next parliament would have a substantive cabinet minister of Parliament Affairs.

Mr. Felix Owusu Adjapong, Majority Leader lauded the Minority leader's call for gender equality but was quick to point out that, "as compared to his assurance to Mr. Speaker that when they win, he (Mr. Speaker) would be maintained, there was a contrast, which Mr. Speaker must be worried about. 20 Jan 04