General News of Saturday, 16 June 2001

Source: GNA

Minority rejects submissions by Minister for Media Relations

The Minority in Parliament rejected submissions by the Minister for Media Relations on how to forestall the frequent interruptions in television transmission in the Volta Region and parts of the Eastern Region.

The stand of the Minority was that the Minister, Ms Elizabeth Ohene was not the right person to answer the question and argued that the Minister of Transport and Communication should have been the appropriate person to do so since the matter bordered on technicalities.

The Minority Chief Whip, Mr Doe Adjaho had disrupted the submissions of the Minister saying the question should have been referred to the appropriate ministry.

The First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay asked Ms Akua Sena Dansua, NDC Dayi, the questioner, whether Ms Ohene should be allowed to answer her question.

Ms Dansua requested that the question should be stepped down to enable her to consult with the leadership of her side.

Dr Kwabena Adjei, NDC-Biakoye, said Members of the House have the fundamental duty to put matters in the right perspective and they should not countenance any moves that were not in tune with the orders of the House.

Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, NDC- Wenchi West, contended that it was necessary for the member, who posed the question to be made to refer it to the Appropriate Minister for the necessary response.

Ms Ohene was thus made to discontinue with her submissions until the Minority arrived at a decision.

Mr J. H. Mensah, the Majority Leader and Minister for Government Business, said even though the Minority have a case he has just had a release to the effect that Ghana Broadcasting Corporation has been placed under the direction of the Ministry of Media Relations.