General News of Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Source: GNA

Parliament reconvenes without Minority

Parliament on Tuesday reconvened after the Easter holidays without the Minority side as most of them were purported to have joined the National Democratic Congress' (NDC) "March Of Survival" that took place through the principal streets of Accra.

Mr Kwakye Addo, NDC- Afram Plains South and Mr Francis Agbotse, NDC- Ho West, were the only two members of the Minority side who attended the day's sittings.

Mr Freddie Blay, First Deputy Speaker in welcoming the members observed that it was unfortunate that most of the members were not present to conduct the commencement of the public business for the day, apparently referring to the absence of the Minority side.

He, however, commended members for sacrificing their Easter Holidays to attend to urgent business of the House on two occasions during the recess.

The Speaker pleaded with members to be more punctual during the session and to go the extra mile to ensure that the business lined up for the sittings were well handled.

The member-elect for Amenfi East, Mrs Agnes Sonful later took and subscribed to the Oaths of Allegiance and Member of Parliament.
The Twentieth Report Of The Appointments Committee on Ministerial And Deputy Ministerial Nominations was laid but the move for the adoption of the motion for the debate could not be taken in view of the absence of the Minority side and the Majority Leader. Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong called for it to be rescheduled.