Accra, July 17, GNA - Mr Alban Bagbin, Majority Leader on Friday commended Members of Parliament for their commitment and dedication to work, saying "it is a demonstration of their commitment to the oath, which they subscribed before the Speaker."

He said the commitment shown by members negates the perception within some section of the public that parties in Parliament disagreed on issues of national and public interest and only agree when the matter suited their parochial or partisan interests.

Mr Bagbin made the observation in his closing remarks at the floor of the House before members went on recess. He said: "As a House we debate issues; we trade ideas; we agree to disagree. That is democracy and it is all for the betterment of mother Ghana.

"I must admit that these exchanges are sometimes canvassed forcefully by members but we do not fight as happens in other jurisdictions."

The Majority Leader said the rules and practice of the House permit heckling, but this should not degenerate into a state of disorder. Mr Bagbin said the House passed two bills; Human Trafficking Amendment Bill and the National Stabilisation Bill into Acts, during the session.

Parliament also ratified several agreements, asked 102 questions with answers provided by Ministers of State as well as 18 statements during the meeting.

Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Minority Leader said the House witnessed significant moments, especially the address by the US President, Barack Obama to Parliament during his recent visit to Ghana. He said the Minority would continue to cooperate with the Majority to advance the best interest of the nation and gave the assurance that the Minority would always criticize but not to destroy. He expressed his dissatisfaction of the late starting of proceedings in the House in recent times and urged the Majority to liaise with Leadership to find a common ground to curtail this development.

The Minority Leader said government had contracted loans to the tune of about 1.6 billion dollars and cautioned against the conditionalities attached to such loans, adding that; "it is not the quantum that we are concerned about, but its utilization to better the living standards of Ghanaians". The House is expected to reconvene in October, this year. 17 July 09